Learning with Older Adults through Intergenerational Service Learning in Physical Education Teacher Education

Pedro J. Ruiz-Montero, Oscar Chiva-Bartoll, Celina Salvador-García and Cristian González-García
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Pedro J. Ruiz-Montero: Faculty of Education, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
Oscar Chiva-Bartoll: Department of Education; Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
Celina Salvador-García: Department of Education; Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
Cristian González-García: Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, 52005 Melilla, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: (1) Background: The population of older adults is growing faster but most of them experience physical, psychological, and social limitations. Higher education should reflect these concerns by providing students appropriate skills to support a sustainable society and putting the acquired theoretical knowledge into practice. Intergenerational Service Learning (SL) is an educational approach capable of contributing to these requirements. The goal of the study was to analyze the effects of an intergenerational SL program from the complementary perspective of the different agents involved. (2) Methods: The study used hermeneutic phenomenological methodology, widely used in educational research. A total of 23 (three female) Physical Education Teacher Education students (PETEs) and 20 older adults (three male) participated. Reflective journals were used for PETEs and semi-structured group interviews for older adults. (3) Results: The following categories emerged from PETEs: social sensitivity and disconfirmation of negative stereotypes, academic and professional learnings, satisfaction and personal growth, and desire for social justice. From older adults, four complementary categories emerged: disconfirmation of negative stereotypes, improvement of physical function, satisfaction and desire of continuity, and social interaction. (4) Conclusions: Intergenerational SL offers important social and educational inputs by deconstructing negative stereotypes and providing positive experiences to both PETEs and older adults.

Keywords: service learning; physical education teacher education; older adults; initial teacher training; health-care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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