ERIC Number: ED022980
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1964
Pages: 250
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Available Date: N/A
The Effect of a Group Discussion Program in a Home for the Aged on the Behavior Patterns of the Participants.
Mason, Wendell Dean
The effect of a group discussion program on the behavior patterns of aged participants was studied in the Indiana Masonic Home. The training program (18 one-hour sessions for six weeks), involved 44 residents (in two group), aged 60-94, in discussions of applying effective learning conditions to adult education programs in homes for the aged. Data were obtained from five sources--a participant information sheet, pre-rating and post-rating schedules completed by the staff, personal evaluation sheets, seven-day diaries and self-appraisals of personal growth in teamwork. It was found that over half the participants had been living alone and had entered the home because of health problems. Watching television, and reading newspapers, magazines, religious and historical works, and mysteries were major activities. A positive philosophy of life was expressed. The teamwork checklist showed 43% of participants noted little personal growth, 27.3% much growth, and 11.7% no growth. Results indicate that older adults can achieve meaningful learning, although no observable behavior changes emerged. Diaries proved ineffectual as evaluation devices. The thesis includes a bibliography, research review, rating scale, and definitions of techniques. (ly)
Descriptors: Adjustment (to Environment), Behavior Patterns, Diaries, Doctoral Dissertations, Group Discussion, Individual Development, Institutionalized Persons, Leisure Time, Older Adults, Participant Characteristics, Questionnaires, Research, Self Evaluation
University Microfilms, 300 Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 (Order No. 65-2382, MF $3.25, Xerography $11.25).
Publication Type: N/A
Education Level: N/A
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Authoring Institution: Indiana Univ., Bloomington.
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Note: Ed. D. Thesis.