Community-Based Research: Amplify Undergraduate Engagement in Inquiry

Abstract

Community-based research is a partnership approach to research that involves both researchers and community members in the research process. Community members participate in the formulation of the research question, the interpretation of the data, and the application of the findings. It is a process that honors community member wisdom and cultural/historical knowledge. Community-based research demystifies the scientific process and produces results that are useful to community members as they pursue their improvement agendas. When it is implemented as a teaching strategy, some find it results in greater academic and personal growth than even standard service-learning approaches. Many find it enhances discipline-specific learning goals and positively affects students’ motivation to learn (Strand, Marullo, et al, 2003). In this session, principles and models of community based-research will be described. Examples from courses here at Mason will be used to demonstrate the primary points. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own ideas for working engaging students in community-based research. As they formulate plans and consider next steps, they will be acquainted with the campus resources available to them through OSCAR and the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.