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Degree

Ph.D., Antioch University, Leadership and Change, 2006.

Abstract

The central purpose of this research study was to develop common indicators of engagement for civic initiatives between institutions of higher education and their community organization partners. The unique aspect of this study was that the indicators were generated by the community organizations participating as stakeholders in campus-community partnerships. Using an action research methodology that involved eleven community organization participants from the health and wellness sector, the study advocated for research that provided a deeper understanding of the perspectives of community organizations. Findings suggested that significant divides existed in core civic areas dealing with service-learning, relevance of academic research, and equitable treatment of community partners. The study produced a formal set of community partner indicators of engagement that were developed by the participants in the study and disseminated to higher education leaders. The indicators illustrated the expectations of community partners that engaged in civic partnerships with higher education. Additionally, the study provided an analysis of the literature on civic engagement, identifying a lack of empirical research concerned with the perspectives of community organization partners.

Subject Headings

Education, Higher

Keywords

service learning; community involvement; civic engagement; partnership; higher education; action research

Advisor

Jon Wergin

Pages

182p.

Document number: antioch1158867184
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1158867184

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