Speaking Up, Speaking Out

Urban doctoral student voices

Abstract

This article provides a reflection from two urban education doctoral students regarding their learning experiences and understandings about the inquiry process of community engaged research. They shared their thinking about their understanding about connections between theory and practice in community engaged work. As doctoral students, they value the expertise and guidance of mentor researchers because this is an important resource in the development and growth of a community engaged researcher. The doctoral students shared their knowledge about the importance of community asset mapping and focusing on the strengths and values that are already present in the community. Another important aspect of community engaged research is building trust in community-university partnerships. One tool that helps establish that trust is the use of community conversations. These two doctoral students explored a series of questions as part of their ongoing journey in becoming community engaged researchers.