Educating Older People

This book examines the working of the educative process when it is concerned with older people, who have already formed an outlook on life and have family responsibilities. It emphasizes the importance of taking into account the interrelationships between individuals in groups and changes in the individuals themselves, and the purpose of education is improvement. Habits and attitudes may already have been formed that stand in the way of assimilating new patterns and techniques of learning, and the book discusses methods of teaching and learning and the deeper attitudinal influences at work. It has a broad scope and usefulness, extending to fields in which problems of group relations and leadership are to be found within the context of training or management.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1962, this book sought to examine the workings of the educational process when it pertains to older individuals, rather than children, prisoners, willing or unwilling participants in a system of basic education, or green, pliable saplings. Rather, it focused on adults with already formed outlooks on life, often with family responsibilities, and a wealth of past experiences, special interests, training, or expertise.

The teaching of older people does not merely involve adapting the methods used in school or college to the intellectual level of those who have already gained a broad understanding of various subjects, whether through theoretical or empirical knowledge. The teaching of adults must encompass a comprehensive approach, considering both the methods employed and the intricate interrelationships between individuals within groups and the changes that occur within individuals themselves.

For the adult, the primary purpose of education is improvement. This may manifest as a sense of dissatisfaction with the standards already achieved or a steadfast determination to attain new educational goals, driven by specific reasons related to status or advancement. These factors often accompany anxieties, tensions, feelings of inadequacy, or burdens of responsibility that overshadow the learning process due to the significance of the outcome. Habits and attitudes may already have been established that hinder the assimilation of new patterns and techniques of learning.

This book delves into the social and psychological factors that must be taken into account when approaching the teaching of adults. It explores various teaching and learning methods and proceeds to examine the challenges and opportunities that arise in this unique educational landscape. By examining the unique characteristics and needs of older learners, educators can develop effective strategies to facilitate their learning and promote lifelong learning.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032007229