Undergraduate action research as a high-impact mentorship practice in community interpreting studies

Abstract

This article is a case-study examining how both Latino/a and non-Latino/a interpreting students carry out undergraduate research within the Community Interpreting Certificate at Viterbo University. Students worked in small groups to develop a variety of skills and new understandings-both personal and professional-within the field of interpreting by designing and carrying out action research projects in their own rural communities in Wisconsin. Through the analysis of surveys distributed at the beginning and the end of student research projects, this article discusses students’ perceptions, outcomes and challenges faced throughout their action research process. Conclusions underscore how the practice of mentoring students through undergraduate action research can be a successful High-Impact Practice to empower students and engage them in their local communities.