Using Single-Case Participatory Action Research as a Methodology to Explore Appalachian Summer Camp Communities

Community educators have long known the value of direct experience in the learning process. Participatory Action Research (PAR) extends this philosophy to the realm of research. This article examines the value of using Single-Case PAR involving a member of an Appalachian camp staff community as a practitioner researcher working alongside university scientists in studying the type and conditions of transformative learning in young adult camp staff. The involvement of the practitioner researcher in the methodology, data analysis, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings resulted in a more accurate, richer, and thicker description of the camp staff members' transformative learning experiences. The benefits of involving practitioner researchers are examined, as well as promising practices for using Single-Case PAR in community-based educational environments.