Using Pragmatism to Bridge the Gap Between Academe and Practice

Abstract

This paper is to first, describe the nature of the academe/practitioner divide. Second, the practitioner friendly philosophy, classical pragmatism is introduced as a way of addressing the divide. Classical pragmatism treats theory and methods of research as tools of practice. Third, the Texas State MPA Program successfully applies classical pragmatism and the ³theory as tool of practice² in their capstone research projects. In so doing student/practitioner skills are strengthened and a practitioner friendly academic research (process and product) results.