Elmira College

‘99 Fall Semester

  

AED 5100-30 GERONTOLOGY (3)

Dr. Norbert J. Henry

Instructor and Facilitator

 

 

Course Dates:

Class Meeting in Elmira: September 10-11

 

Computer-Mediated Conversations: September 12 to October 14

 

Class Meeting in Elmira: October 15-16

 

 

Course Description and Process:

GERONTOLOGY IS THE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF BOTH THE PROCESSES OF AGING AND THE EXPERIENCE OF GROWING OLD. THIS COURSE EXAMIINES PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIOLOGICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AGING. IT ALSO EXAMINES THE NATURE OF PROFESSIONAL WORK WITH THE AGING AND HOW TO TRAIN OTHERS FOR WORK WITH AGING PEOPLE.

 

Implications for adult educators will be explored and special emphasis placed on how the educational process can help individuals realize the potential of later years. Peterson has identified three major components of educational gerontology - education about aging, education for the aging, and education for persons who work with the aging. Each area will be examined.

Through a variety of learning experiences and activities, participants will have an opportunity to develop new knowledge, skills, and attitudes relative to education for and about aging. Prior background in gerontology is not necessary since it will be possible to develop such a foundation during the course.

Major Content and Themes:

I. Address stereotypes of aging with a subsequent definition of aging, development of a profile of aging, and an historical perspective of aging. Also we will examine "quality of life issues" relevant to this cohort.

 

II. Establish a theoretical framework on the aging process including a survey of some current theories of aging. This includes a discussion of research methodology in gerontology, with specific implications for adult educators.

 

III. Explore educational models used in the development of programs for older learners including new approaches to learning, existing programs such as Elderhostel, and current research on the older learner.

 

IV. Survey governmental responses to elderly issues and concerns, and the impact of these responses to the well-being of the older population. Projections into the 21st century are made about the elderly based on current trends, demographics, and ongoing research.

 

 Time and Location of Meeting Dates:

AED 5100-30 GERONTOLOGY (3) is scheduled to meet on the Elmira campus (Room TBA).

Days & Times:

Friday, September 10, 1999- 5pm-10pm.

Saturday, September 11, 1999- 8am-5pm.

Computer-mediated conversations

Friday, October 15, 1999- 5pm-10pm.

Saturday, October 16, 1999- 8am-5pm.

Day One: (Friday, September 10)

Day Two: (Saturday, September 11)

Day Three: (Friday, October 15)

Day Four: (Saturday, October 16)

 

Course Format:

There will be a mixture of lecture, discussion in small and large groups, experiential exercises, and Q/A. Additionally, pertinent videos will be viewed and related to topics under discussion. Each student is expected to share with the instructor/facilitator in the ongoing development and direction of the course. It is necessary to make timely adjustments in the course content, procedures, and schedule, in order to meet individual and group needs. All participants will be required to share in the responsibility of this process.

One weekend will be replaced by a series of computer-mediated discussions between students and instructor. These discussions are a required component of the course and all students MUST participate in this process. The text required for the course will be the basis for these ongoing discussions between the two weekends when the class meets at Elmira College. Information related to this important part of the course will be provided at the first weekend of meetings.

 

Reading Materials:

A. Required text:

B. Recommended text:

C. Selected readings as provided.

Suggested Course Requirements:

The suggested requirements for the course will follow. The various learning activities must meet the expectations of both the learner and the instructor/facilitator. The learning activity will continue until it reaches the desired level of competency and learning agreed upon.

Each student will prepare a learning contract for the activities he or she plans to carry out in order to meet both course expectations and individual objectives. Materials will be provided as needed to help develop a learning contract.

Dr. Norbert J. Henry

Course Grade Requirements:

A. Required of all students:

1. Participate in class activities, including planning, group efforts, and evaluation throughout the course.

2. Complete a self-diagnosis of needs related to the course content and prepare a learning contract designed to help you meet those needs.

3. Read the text and other materials and be prepared to discuss issues via the computer-mediated experience.

4. Write a 4-6 page paper based on some current issue related to aging/older persons drawn from your reading, reflections, or experience. In addition, be prepared to make a 10-15 minute presentation of your findings to the class.

 

FOR A GRADE OF "B" EACH STUDENT WILL COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES, PROJECTS, OR NEGOTIATED EQUIVALENT.

Learning Activity #1:

a) Interview two older adults to gain further insights into the aging process. This interview can be with an elderly relative, friend, or acquaintance. The setting can be in a home, institution, or other appropriate place.

-or-

b) Interview personnel from an agency, organization, or group that provides services to the elderly, e.g. senior center, skilled nursing facility, county office on aging, Dept. of Social Services for older adults.

 

Learning activity #2:

Develop a statement, 2-4 pages, based on your attitudes and experiences, reflection your own personal philosophy of aging. This should be developed after some class discussions on various topics related to the elder population.

 

FOR A GRADE OF "A" IN ADDITION TO THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES NEGOTIATED FOR A GRADE OF (B), COMPLETE ANY (ONE) OF THESE SUGGESTED PROJECTS OR A NEGOTIATED PROJECT.

Learning Activity #3:

Develop an organizational model to design and implement educational programs for older adults. You may adapt your model from existing programs, but attempt to relate your model to the course work. This could include suggestions for courses, and innovative environments or formats for conducting educational programs for older adults.

-or-

Learning Activity #4:

Develop a "scrap book" on topics related to aging from current newspapers and magazines. Organize the material according to subject or topical materials. Be prepared to give a brief analysis of trends, research, or stereotypes of aging as found in current literature.

-or-

Learning Activity #5:

Negotiate a project with the instructor.

 

 

 

Evaluation and Feedback:

Evaluation and feedback are integral parts of any learning semester whether a semester-long course, an intensive summer experience, or a personal learning endeavor. Evaluation is a tool for measuring personal progress toward individual or course goals. In addition, Elmira College requires that grades be established as marks for transcripts and degree completion requirements.

Interaction and feedback will be ongoing and an integral part of the learning experience in the classroom setting, in the computer-mediated dialogue, and in the written comments for work handed in to be assessed. It is our hope that this ongoing evaluation and feedback process will greatly enhance the learning experience for both the students and instructor.

 

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