Community-based research: a tool for community empowerment and student learning

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Community Health
• Pediatric Health Education

Background:

• Nursing research is typically taught late in nursing curricula.
• Traditional methods may not engage beginning students effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Northeastern University College of Nursing's innovative approach to teaching nursing concepts and skills.
• To evaluate the use of community-based research projects for beginning nursing students.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of Paulo Freire's model of Community Empowerment.
• Development of a drug awareness manual by inner-city teens for elementary students.
• Focus on collaborative healthcare partnerships.

Main Results:

• Beginning nursing students gained practical nursing skills and concepts.
• Inner-city teens successfully created an educational tool for younger children.
• Students recognized healthcare as a collaborative effort.

Conclusions:

• Community-based research projects are a viable and effective method for teaching nursing to novice students.
• Paulo Freire's model fosters empowerment and practical skill development in nursing education.
• This approach enhances understanding of healthcare as a community partnership.