Utilizing Action Research to Improve Counseling Education Course Work for Culturally Diverse Students

Volume 11 Issue 2 August - October 2017

Research Paper

Utilizing Action Research to Improve Counseling Education Course Work for Culturally Diverse Students

Sabina De Vries* , Deirdre Mcdonald**, Mary G. Mayorga***

* Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

** Instructional Services Manager, Texas A&M University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

*** Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Vries, S.D., Mcdonald, D., and Mayorga, M. G. (2017). Utilizing Action Research to Improve Counseling Education Course Work for Culturally Diverse Students. i-manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 11(2), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.11.2.13778

Abstract

This article informs counselor educators and psychologists on how to utilize action research to evaluate diverse students, course work, and to improve classroom instruction. A paucity exists in research investigating educational needs of diverse counseling students. The present action research study examined educational experiences of diverse counseling students enrolled in a research course. The sample consisted of 70% Hispanic/Latino students, and a little less than half were older adults; 80% of the participants were female. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed. Findings, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.