Research in the Public Sphere: Connecting Students & the Community

Kevin Stoy; Mai Nguyen; Felipe Cardenas

doi:10.13021/G8G300

Authors

Kevin Stoy George Mason University
Mai Nguyen George Mason University
Felipe Cardenas George Mason University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/G8G300

Keywords:

active learning, evidence-based practices, collaborative learning, multidisciplinary learning, problem-based learning, research experiences, team-based learning, self-regulated learning, interdisciplinary learning, transdisciplinary learning

Abstract

Despite increased pressure on academia to produce job-ready graduates, students can still learn how to discover new knowledge and put that knowledge to use without compromising the important lessons a liberal education and the interdisciplinary research process teaches. An innovative course in MasonÃ¢â¬â¢s Honors College called Ã¢â¬ÅResearch in the Public SphereÃ¢â¬Â connects student researchers from across all disciplines with Northern Virginia nonprofits and businesses whose pressing challenges serve as a starting point for student research projects. Students develop their research questions around the needs of these public entities, exploring and examining their research questions from multiple perspectives. Now in its third installation, this Ã¢â¬ÅtranslationalÃ¢â¬Â research course demonstrates to students important relations and distinctions between Ã¢â¬ÅpureÃ¢â¬Â and Ã¢â¬ÅappliedÃ¢â¬Â research, helping them translate their learning to the public sphere. Bio-engineering, computer science, finance, government and international politics, neuroscience, psychology, and systems engineering majors have all taken the course. Two students who took the course will share some specific research experiences and learning gains. ÃÂ Lesson plans will be made available for those interested in particular assignments from the course.

Author Biographies

Kevin Stoy, George Mason University

Administrative Faculty, Honors College

Mai Nguyen, George Mason University

Mai Nguyen is an Honors CollegeÃÂ senior majoring in Government and International Studies, and double minoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and Journalism. Over the lastÃÂ three years at Mason she has taken advantage of numerousÃÂ experiential and professionalÃÂ learning opportunities.ÃÂ She served as a research intern for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Southeast Asia program;ÃÂ a social engagement and casework intern for the Restoring Family Links of the American Red Cross;ÃÂ and as a grant and administrative intern for the Asia Foundation. She is also a University Scholar, the mostÃÂ competitive and prestigious four-year scholarship at George Mason University. Beyond the classroom, MaiÃÂ is alsoÃÂ an active student leader of two organizations:ÃÂ Honors College Connects (HCC), which offers Honors CollegeÃÂ students unique learningÃÂ experiences through collaborative projects with localÃÂ non-profit organizations, and Students Engage in Ending Displacement (SEED), which raises awareness of the current plight of displacement.