|
KMID : 1023720160710010053
|
|
Journal of Welfare for the Aged
2016 Volume.71 No. 1 p.53 ~ p.84
|
|
|
A Study on the Effectiveness of the Gerontological Education for College Students
|
|
김수영:Kim Su-Young
손태홍:Sohn Tae-Hong/장수지:Chang Su-Jie/문경주:Moon Kyung-Joo
|
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
|
There has been an increasing demand for educating gerontological course for college students to prevent generational conflicts and ageism. Rapid increase of elderly population and younger generation`s general negative bias towards the elderly, germinates an attention for gerontological education. Moreover, (it is necessary to integrate communal senses upon younger generation to facilitate harmonious intergenerational coexistence. Objective of this study is to reduce the intergenerational gaps stemming from the younger generation`s lack of understanding in aging and communal coexistence, negative bias toward elderly population. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, students were divided into two groups：the participant group and the control group. The participant group was enrolled in gerontological courses, while the control group was enrolled in the general elective courses. Pre- and post- intervention assessed three dependent variables：student`s gerontological knowledge, attitude towards the elderly and sense of community. The major findings of this study were as follows：① After finishing up the course, the participant group significantly improved their knowledge level associated with the elderly. This positive change remained after controlling the differential effects of social demographic factors. ② Participating the gerontological course also led to positive attitude changes toward the elderly. ③The gerontological course suggests an positive effect in improving sense of community from the participant group. By contrast, the control group did not show any significant effects in knowledge and attitudes toward the elderly and sense of community. Major findings implicates the following factors：First, promoting interactive opportunities between the elderly and college students may lead to positive changes in knowledge, attitude towards the elderly population and communal senses. Second, the effectiveness of gerontological course showed more significant effect for students who grew up in metropolitan areas with no cohabitation experiences with the elderly than those did not. The result from this particular student cohort suggests a positive effect from gerontological education and instigates an expansion of such educational methods. Third, the gerontological course`s active dynamic that converts controversial relationship between younger and elder generation into mutually beneficial relationship is the core strength. Our study suggests that the effectiveness of the gerontological course has a positive association with achieving this generational connection. Finally, our study directs a new path for the future gerontological course. The gerontological course for younger generation should aim at recognizing importance of the elderly-friendly community to secure high-quality coexistence among all generations.
|
|
|
KEYWORD
|
|
|
gerontological course, knowledge of aging, sense of community, effectiveness, elderly-friendly community
|
|
|
FullTexts / Linksout information
|
|
|
|
|
|
Listed journal information
|
|
|
|