Getting values from jsp in portlet

Question

Hi,
I want to know if I submit values from a jsp page how can get those values in the portlet class (extends Generic portlet). I have tried accessing using actionRequest.getParameter() and also renderRequest.getParameter(). But I get null value .
Do I need to add the below shown line also to the jsp -
<portlet:defineObjects/>
I am working with JSR 168 portlet. I am posting part of the jsp down let me know how can I go about this problem.
<%@ page language="java"%>
<form name="userForm" method="post">
<table>
<tr>
     <td>User Name</td>
     <td>
          <input type="text" name="userName"/>
     </td>
</tr>
<tr>
     <td>
          <input type="submit" label="Save"/>
     </td>
</tr>
</table>
</form>
Thanks

Answer 1

Hi ,
I created a sample portlet the way it is in notepad portlet and it worked fine for me . But the main difficulty is I am trying to convert an existing code and there the form submission happens in java script .The following code is used to submit the form and there I am not able to get the values in processAction().
Please check the java script code and let me know if I can change it in someway which can make the submitted values available in the processAction().
document.forms[0].action ='<portlet:actionURL><portlet:param name="mode" value="dummyVal"/></portlet:actionURL>';
document.forms[0].submit();
Thanks..