Beyond the Textbook: Insights on Experiential Community-Based Learning Through Qualitative Research

• In Event: Professors of Education Research: Accepting the Responsibility of Training Novice Scholars

Abstract

Community-based research (CBR) is a pedagogical strategy that encourages active collaboration between students and members of their local community. This paper examines how experiential, community-based research, as a pedagogical approach, leads to the development of a social justice lens through a better understanding of another’s life by novice researchers. Through focus group interviews, participants described how they understood their lived experiences in an Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods course. Findings from this case study suggest that participation in community-based research enhances the teaching and learning of qualitative research methods. Participants suggested that CBR helped them to develop a research community, which in turn, enhanced their empathy toward and insight into their research community’s lived experiences and perspectives.

Authors

• Clarence V. Walker, Barry University

• Ruth Ban, Barry University