Navigating inherent challenges of locally focused action research in graduate education
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21600674 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kayla M Anderson (0000-0002-2394-3832, Vanderbilt University, corresponding author), Brian D Christens (0000-0002-8427-3668, Vanderbilt University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 102-122 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Educational Action Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0965-0792 • E-ISSN: 1747-5074 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09650792.2025.2499532 |
| OpenAlex | W4410343474 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 29 |
Action research seeks to address pressing local issues through research and collaboration with community partners while also contributing to social science. Through cyclical processes of research, action, and reflection, action research provides not only a methodological framework for addressing social issues but also a potential pedagogical approach for training students. This article explores the challenges and benefits of integrating action research into graduate-level curricula, using graduate action research classes at Vanderbilt University and their multi-semester research on short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnbs and VRBOs) in Nashville, TN, as a case example. The article first outlines inherent challenges that arise when conducting action research, particularly in higher educational contexts. It then describes some distinctive features of the Vanderbilt courses that have enabled long-term engagement in action research projects. By examining the classes’ work on short-term rentals, the article illustrates how features like frequent offerings, opportunities for multiple semester enrollment, collaborative instruction, and a research ‘studio’ design can be helpful in addressing some of the perennial challenges of conducting and teaching action research in academic settings. The article concludes by discussing strategies for course design and instruction to navigate these challenges in order to realize the potential for simultaneously cultivating student learning and development while contributing to beneficial community impacts
Action research · Engineering ethics · Graduate education · Graduate students · Participatory action research · Pedagogy · Sociology · Anthropology · Community Development and Social Impact · Engineering · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology
Making Social Science Matter
The purpose of mess in action research
The Effect of Home-Sharing on House Prices and Rents
Tourism gentrification
Conceptual origins, current problems, future direction
Comparative Perspectives on Social Movements
Promoting reciprocity within community/university development partnerships
The intentional exercise of power
Community‐engaged Research Approaches
Action Research and Minority Problems
In the Footsteps of Kurt Lewin
Three Dilemmas in Action Research
Multiple Eviction
Ten years of community visioning in New Hampshire
Teaching/learning action research requires fundamental reforms in public higher education
A call to Action Research for Transformations
Action Research Pedagogy in Educational Institutions
Tourism Gentrification
Why Action Research
Short-term rentals as digitally-mediated tourism gentrification
Lessons from action-research partnerships
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |