Higher Education Community Engagement Professionals’ Subjective Views of a Selected Competency Framework
Location
Higher Education 1 (Session 1 Breakouts)
Proposal Track
Research Project
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
This research study explored self-identified community engagement professionals’ subjective views of a subset of competency statements as defined in the selected framework in relation to the requirements of their position at their higher education institutions within the United States. The current status of the field of community engagement trends towards recognition as an emerging profession. This trend suggests the need for additional research focused on community engagement professionals’ perspectives of the frameworks put forth on the path towards professionalization. The use of Q methodology provided a scientific method to study subjectivity. Interpretation of the factors used both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques to provide a holistic approach focused on pattern recognition and generalizations of divergent viewpoints. The research suggests that a single competency framework may not fit all community engagement professionals.
Keywords
Community Engagement Professionals, Q Methodology, Higher Education
Professional Bio
Melissa L. Lyon, Ed.D., is focused on facilitating community-campus engagement, which allows students at all levels to impact and learn from their communities. As the Service-Learning Program Manager within the Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, Dr. Lyon has worked to support faculty, students, and community partners in service-learning efforts across multiple disciplines. Dr. Lyon is passionate about engaging students in research of all forms. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys gardening and reading Stephen King novels.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Lyon, Melissa L. and Moffett, Noran L., "Higher Education Community Engagement Professionals’ Subjective Views of a Selected Competency Framework" (2020). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 11.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2020/2020/11
Higher Education Community Engagement Professionals’ Subjective Views of a Selected Competency Framework
Higher Education 1 (Session 1 Breakouts)
This research study explored self-identified community engagement professionals’ subjective views of a subset of competency statements as defined in the selected framework in relation to the requirements of their position at their higher education institutions within the United States. The current status of the field of community engagement trends towards recognition as an emerging profession. This trend suggests the need for additional research focused on community engagement professionals’ perspectives of the frameworks put forth on the path towards professionalization. The use of Q methodology provided a scientific method to study subjectivity. Interpretation of the factors used both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques to provide a holistic approach focused on pattern recognition and generalizations of divergent viewpoints. The research suggests that a single competency framework may not fit all community engagement professionals.
