Action Research: A Practical Model to Link Teaching, Research, and Community Service

Abstract

The action-research model enables integration of three different academic responsibilities: research, teaching, and service. Action-research combines the need for data about pressing social concerns at the local level with the need of students to learn about applied research. Students are actually involved in the design and implementation of a research study that is responsive to specific data needs in the community. The data collection and subsequent analysis allow the faculty member to publish research that can be a distinct service to the community while meeting instructional workload requirements. Students find the hands-on opportunity to participate in a mstudy to be a challenging and rewarding experience.