Participation in community-based research provides college students with a high-impact experience involving both research and service learning. Presently, the impact of participation in community-based research projects has been measured most often through the use of post-learning course evaluations and case studies. The authors describe the impact of participation in community-based research, at a small liberal arts college, on undergraduate education students and graduate physical therapy students using the Community-Based Research Student Learning Outcomes Survey. Results from 2 years of survey responses and open-ended responses suggest that participation in such an experience may impact professional and personal growth, educational experiences, and civic engagement.
This study provides support for universities and colleges to continue offering high-impact learning experiences for students by utilizing community-based research experiences while collaborating between academic departments.