ERIC Number: ED240364
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Nov
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Mixed-Age College Classroom: Report of a Pilot Study at UW-Green Bay.
Mishler, Carol; Davenport, Margaret
A pilot study at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Green Bay campus examined the attitudes of college faculty toward adult students in classes comprised of both adult and traditional-aged students. During the study, researchers interviewed 10 teachers of intergenerational classes at the Green Bay Campus of the University of Wisconsin and administered surveys to 259 students participating in these classes. Based on data from these two sources, it appeared that both the younger and older students and their professors have overwhelmingly positive attitudes concerning a mix of ages in the college classroom. When asked about the effect of adult participation in college classes, teachers commented that adult students often contributed to lively and sophisticated discussions, provided an added personal dimension based on real-life experiences, and possessed a high motivation and commitment that, in fact, set high standards for all. On the negative side, the teachers felt that the adults' verbal ability and experience may intimidate some younger students at times and that, occasionally, some adults tend to bring irrelevant experiences into discussions. The students surveyed did not find these statements to be true, however. As a pilot study, this research effort indicated that a similar, larger study should be quite successful. (MN)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Wisconsin Univ., Green Bay. Assessment Center.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A