From students to citizens: the impacts of an intergenerational experiential learning program on undergraduate student development

Undergraduate education can strengthen its focus on developing ethical and social literacy in students through incorporating service programs based in experiential learning. Prior research demonstrates experiential learning augments students’ learning outcomes, perceived meaning of education, and social competencies. Experiential learning incorporating intergenerational communication promotes understanding of aging, value placed on service, and sheds light on unforeseen skills and goals for students. This study evaluated the impacts of an intergenerational experiential learning program on character social, and educational development outcomes in students. Further, the study explored the benefits of such programs for older adults. Ultimately, the program developed students’ character relevant to finding purpose, recognizing strengths, showing gratitude, developing coping strategies, and making goals for the future. In reference social development, the program improved their skills for relationship building, attitudes toward older adults, and perspectives regarding intergenerational interactions. Qualitatively, participants collectively endorsed themes of character development, relational development, and intergenerational transfer.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Robinson, Morgan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shelton, Jill T.
• Walker, Ruth V.; Warren, Amye
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Experiential learning
• Intergenerational relations--Study and teaching (Higher)
• Undergraduates

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/798

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1976