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ERIC Number: ED257955
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985-Feb
Pages: 22
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Age Integrated Learning: A Pilot Study.
Heckenmueller, Jerome P.; Keller, Ann
A pilot study on age integrated learning (AIL) was conducted at Aquinas College during spring semester, 1984. (AIL involves the inclusion of students from all adult age groups in higher educational environments.) The purpose of this exploratory research was to collect data that would allow formulation of specific questions regarding (1) potential personal development and academic benefits to students, and (2) possible dificulties for faculty and/or students that might arise in an AIL format. Eighteen students were recruited for a 10-week, two-credit seminar in psychology, called "Perspectives on the Adult Phases of the Life Cycle." Seven students were aged from 19-22 years; five were aged 36-42; and six were aged 64-81. Three questionnaires (the Student Opinion Questionnaire, the Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale, and the Student Attitude Questionnaire) were used to measure student attitudes at the beginning and at the end of the 10 weeks. In addition, evaluations of each of the 12 lecture classes and four discussion classes were used and three essay examinations were given. The results of analyses of the questionnaires and the test results showed no significant age, sex, or class differences or interactions. All students rated the course positively. No differences were found in the examination performance across age groups, although older students did allow themselves longer time to complete exams. For the future, it was suggested that courses should allow more opportunities for students to get to know one another. The researchers concluded that since older students are a growing population, AIL needs further study in order to determine whether it can be beneficial for all students and for all course contents. (KC)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A