The Community College Faculty Member as Researcher

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the kinds of research that would be most suitable for community college faculty members and to illustrate these, where possible, from actual examples of ongoing research efforts, or, alternatively, from hypothetical examples. Some of the benefits and potential benefits in the area of student development, faculty development, and community development are suggested, and some of the practical problems of implementation are discussed. Research is classified by methodology and objectives. Methodology is broken down into empirical studies or library research. Objectives of research are classified in terms of subject matter research, pedagogical research, or a combination of the two. It is suggested that the kind of research which combines intellectual inquiry into one's subject field with the process and substance of instruction and/or community service holds the most potential benefit for most faculty members. This type of research focuses on the need for academic renewal, keeping abreast of the subject field, or intellectual revitalization as an essential part of staff development. (Author/AH)