Out in the Field: Experiencing a Research Learning Journey through a Community-Based Pilot Project

Applied undergraduate degrees have become regular offerings at community colleges across Ontario, including the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Leadership and the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate at Fanshawe College, both of which include coursework related to applied research. In collaboration with community agencies, this research project provided college students with practical experience in various components of research methodology, and explored their experiences in conducting research through the implementation of a peer-mediated social skills program with preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders