Minding the Gap: Using an Applied Research Center to Improve Student Learning

Abstract

Universities are under increasing pressure both internally and externally to demonstrate student learning outcomes generally and in the liberal arts and social sciences specifically. Internally, students and others often complain about the lack of direct connection between what they learn in the classroom and what happens, or what they perceive happens, in the real world. In addition, universities are often required to demonstrate to state and federal authorities the value of liberal arts and social science education. In this study, we use in-depth interviews to demonstrating the value of an Applied Research Center (ARC) to help communicate value to stakeholders, close learning gaps, and foster university-community partnerships. Our findings suggest that an ARC can play an integral role in reinforcing student learning outcomes, increasing student career success, and establish disciplinary value to a variety of constituents.