Evaluation and comparison of aging education for undergraduates across multiple fields of study

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Authors
Hawley, Suzanne R.
St.Romain, Theresa
Rogers, Nicole L.
Advisors
Issue Date
2024
Type
Article
Keywords
Aging-related coursework , College students , Course evaluation , Gerontology education , Undergraduate students
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Hawley, S.R., St.Romain, T., Rogers, N. Evaluation and comparison of aging education for undergraduates across multiple fields of study. (2024). Gerontology and Geriatrics Education. DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2024.2334738
Abstract

The college years represent a key opportunity for broadening the future gerontology workforce by introducing students to the aging content that may influence their career decisions, yet this content is often limited to students with behavioral health and health professions majors. The present study sought to determine the degree to which a Midwestern university’s general education course on aging could increase learning, interest, knowledge, and ability to use knowledge for undergraduates across multiple fields of study. Participants included 560 undergraduate students, 48% of which were health professions majors, 28% behavioral health majors, and 23% majors in other fields. While all groups reported significant increases in learning, knowledge, and interest in aging studies, ANOVA found significant differences by students’ field of study in reported ability to apply course knowledge in their career or organization. As demand increases for workers versed in the needs of the older adult population, it will be important for educators to incorporate career connections into aging studies coursework and make abundantly clear how students in all fields of study are necessary for the future gerontological workforce. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Table of Contents
Description
Publisher
Routledge
Journal
Gerontology and Geriatrics Education
Book Title
Series
PubMed ID
ISSN
0270-1960
EISSN