Participatory Action Research as Social Justice Student Affairs Praxis

• In Event: 60.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 60.084-9 - Scholars in Training: Research and Student Learning

Abstract

This paper explores the feasibility of participatory action research (PAR) as a tool for social justice oriented practitioners in student affairs practice. Although the scholar-practitioner model of student affairs practice is often encouraged, it seems dubious to expect often overworked student affairs educators to add research to their responsibilities. However, PAR offers a promising approach to critical pedagogy and research. Through collective analysis of journal entry data from a research team of approximately 12 students and staff engaging in a PAR project between September 2014 and February 2015 at a private university in New England, this paper will discuss the benefits and limitations of PAR in student affairs. Recommendations for incorporating PAR into practice will also be presented.

Authors

• Delia Cheung Hom, Northeastern University

• Kevin Gin, Boston College

• OiYan A. Poon, Loyola University Chicago

• Dian D Squire, University of Denver