Intergenerational, Community-Based Learning and Exercise Science Student Perceptions of Classroom Community

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  • Author(s): Crawley, Amy A. (ORCID Crawley, Amy A. (ORCID 0000-0001-9032-2836); Crawley, William
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journal of Experiential Education. Sep 2023 46(3):304-318.
  • Publication Date:
    2023
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://sagepub.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      15
    • Education Level:
      Adult Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Experiential Learning; Community Education; Allied Health Occupations Education; Intergenerational Programs; Service Learning; Educational Gerontology; Exercise; Science Education; Student Attitudes; Career Pathways
    • Accession Number:
      10.1177/10538259221146535
    • ISSN:
      1053-8259
      2169-009X
    • Abstract:
      Background: Community-based learning is a high-impact, experiential teaching practice where elements of social interaction and authentic participation transform cognitive understanding into meaningful knowing. In the allied health field, the incorporation of community-based learning provides unique access to populations that are not inherently available in a university classroom. Purpose: Researchers used a mixed methods approach to examine the influence of an intergenerational, community-based learning environment versus a traditional learning environment on exercise science students' perceptions of overall classroom community, connectedness, and learning. Methodology/Approach: Quantitatively, students (n = 122) completed Rovai's CCS which was then analyzed using a t-test. Qualitatively, students completed written reflective assignments designed to gather data regarding their perceptions of working with an older adult population. Findings/Conclusions: Overall students perceived significantly greater levels of classroom community, connectedness, and learning in the intergenerational, community-based learning environment and evidenced highly positive growth in their awareness and understanding of older adults. Implications: Inclusion of an intergenerational, community-based learning environment in allied health-related degree programs can enhance student's confidence in knowledge application and their ability to connect with the older population.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1388224