Action Research as a Strategy for Teaching an Undergraduate Research Course

Action research is rarely, if ever, referred to in the textbooks used in undergraduate nursing programs. While redesigning a 2009-2010 research course for junior-level baccalaureate nursing students, the action research strategy was used to conduct a semester-long research project. After identifying a list of 15 health risks on campus, students prioritized and came to consensus on the health problem to be targeted. Each week, students followed the steps of the research process as the related topic was covered in class. At the end of the semester, students presented their findings at the annual on-campus Student Research Conference. Students have since completed a total of three campus-wide research projects. The results of these projects have been incorporated as a required assignment in the senior-level Community Health Nursing course and are now being used to create health promotion materials for the campus e-magazine.