Intergenerational Learning Programme

Creating a Programme in ILP in Higher Education as a Contribution to Public Understanding of

Intergenerational Engagement in Europe and Around the Globe

Dr. Trudy Corrigan

Ageing Headlines!

●"Life expectancy in most European countries is increasing now by five hours a day"

●"Population ageing will fundamentally change the lives of Europeans"

●"The scale of change will be comparable to or greater than the effects of climate change or global terrorism“ WHO

8% 9%10%

12% 13%14%

16%

19%

23%25%

26%

4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 5% 6%8%

10%

13%15%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

1950 1970 1990 2010 2030 2050

Developed World Developing World

Percent of PopulationAged 65 & Over: History and UN Projection

Source: UN (2005)

Definition of Intergenerational Learning

● Sharing people’s skills, experiences, achievements and talents to achieve mutual benefits.

● Enhancing self-esteem and reducing exclusion for individuals and communities.

● Changing negative perceptions of older and younger people. ● Increasing the participation of people in Life Long Learning; engaging more

people in employment, education and training.● Enhancing active citizenship across generations. ● Promoting greater understanding between generations.

Welsh Local Government Association and Beth

Johnson Foundation, 2012

Intergenerational Learning Programme

●https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervgudJkTsE

Definition of Intergenerational Learning

Definition of Intergenerational Learning in HE

Foundation of ILP

● Started in 2008 in School of Education, DCU ● Need for programme to engage ageing population of

Ireland to keep their mind and body active ● Engage older people in teaching, learning and research

opportunities on campus and online ● First intergenerational learning programme in Ireland

to facilitate older and younger people learning together on a third level campus

● Lifelong learning programmes, social and cultural activities ● Recognises positive dimensions of ageing ● Reciprocal benefits of shared knowledge between

older and younger generations ● Make third level more accessible for older learners

Vision of ILP

● To create a community of learning on campus in both formal and informal learning opportunities where both older and younger people can meet and learn together. The programme promotes:

• Peer Learning• Social Learning• Transformational Learning• Mentoring • Volunteering• One-on-One Tutoring• Formal and Informal Learning • Critical Thinking and Reflection • Service Learning • Team Learning

Development of ILP

● Over 1500 people aged from 55+ participants● Over 800 DCU student volunteers ● DCU students are provided with Personal Opportunity for

Development Credits (PODS) ● Introductory modules offered in all Faculties ● Modules include science, psychology, law and government,

contemporary culture and society, media studies, life writing, genealogy, health and well-being

● Modules are usually in the format of lecture presentation followed by questions, discussion and conversation

Flagship Module - ICT

● In 2008 the information communication modules on offer were initially to engage older people in using the Internet and in basic introduction to the technology

● Today the modules on offer include beginners to advanced users use of mobile technology including iphones and ipads

● Digital literacy skills including multi-media skills and digital photography

● Access to social media is also a very successful part of our programme including Skype, Twitter, Facebook

Does it differ from schooling?“The wise, hopeful and respectful cultivation of learning undertaken in the belief that all should have a chance to share in life”

“A process of living and not a preparation for future living” (John Dewey 1916)

“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire” (W.B. Yeats)

What is Education

The word Education originates from the Greek word “Educare” which is to “draw out or facilitate”

Bring out or develop potential in students

Educators look to act “with” people rather than “on” them

Origins of Education

Facilitation Older and younger people as tutors

and learners together Formal and informal learning Didactic vs. learner centred approach Dialogue as a pedagogical approach

DCU ILP as a New Model of Education in HE

Model – a new way of teaching e.g. Kolb Experiential Learning

Maria Montessori’s method:

“Since it has been seen to be necessary to give so much to the child, let us give him a vision of the whole universe….. We shall walk together on this path of life for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”

Models of Education

Embraces the voice of older people in higher education teaching, learning and research

Provides a space, a forum for older and younger people to meet together

Learning takes place within an inter-disciplinary context

Promotes dialogue as a pedagogicaltool that facilitates learning between generations

DCU ILP – New Model of Education

Origins of Communities of Practice

The term community of practice was coined to refer to the community that acts as a living curriculum for the apprentice.

Jean Lave, Etienne Wenger

Reflections from Volunteer Students

Its a life changing experience and practical way of developing personally, and interpersonal skills

(volunteer student, 2015)

It is a stress relieving activity and helps people to understand that segment of population that makes less noise, but counts so much in politics

(volunteer student, 2015)

SARAH(Older Learner)

Psychology course

DCU

Knowledge around SEN helps with

understanding grandson

ILPICT

Course

“Living the Theory”

Other learners

on campus

Volunteers

Reflections from Older Learners

It has opened a window for us older learners to the world of the Internet, emails, Skype and blogging. It is a wonderful feeling. We are not going to stop now.

(Gretta)

The whole exchange between students, older people and tutors was fun and interesting. There was a great social benefit for us older people. Learning to Skype and use the Internet makes you feel part of a big world out there.

(Maura)

Reflections from Older Learners

I feel part of society in a completely new way. It is wonderful. I learned new ways of learning through the social website and so I can keep in touch with classmates on line until we meet up again (at the university). I do not feel any different to the younger generation now that I am using the technology in the same way as they are using it.

(Josephine)

Survey Findings