Committee Chair

Shelton, Jill T.

Committee Member

Walker, Ruth V.; Warren, Amye

Department

Dept. of Psychology

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Undergraduate education can strengthen its focus on developing ethical and social literacy in students through incorporating service programs based in experiential learning. Prior research demonstrates experiential learning augments students’ learning outcomes, perceived meaning of education, and social competencies. Experiential learning incorporating intergenerational communication promotes understanding of aging, value placed on service, and sheds light on unforeseen skills and goals for students. This study evaluated the impacts of an intergenerational experiential learning program on character social, and educational development outcomes in students. Further, the study explored the benefits of such programs for older adults. Ultimately, the program developed students’ character relevant to finding purpose, recognizing strengths, showing gratitude, developing coping strategies, and making goals for the future. In reference social development, the program improved their skills for relationship building, attitudes toward older adults, and perspectives regarding intergenerational interactions. Qualitatively, participants collectively endorsed themes of character development, relational development, and intergenerational transfer.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Jill Shelton, for her guidance and expertise in developing and pursuing this research. I would also like to thank my thesis committee members, Dr. Ruth Walker and Dr. Amye Warren, for their feedback and the time they dedicated to this research as well. Finally, I would like to thank my family and close friends for their relentless support as I have pursued my research and degree while attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Special thanks to my partner, Noah Jones, my mom, Nikki Robinson, my dad, Allen Robinson, and my brother, Alex Robinson, as my biggest supporters in pushing me to be the best version of myself, as both a researcher and human being.

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

5-2023

Subject

Experiential learning; Intergenerational relations--Study and teaching (Higher); Undergraduates

Keyword

Experiential Learning; Intergenerational Programs; Undergraduate Outcomes; Ageism; Undergraduate Educational Programs

Discipline

School Psychology

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

viii, 70 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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