Enhancing Student Gerocompetencies: Evaluation of an Intergenerational Service Learning Course |
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| Authors: | Jason A. Dauenhauer David W. Steitz Carmen I. Aponte Debra Fromm Faria |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Social Work, College at Brockport , State University of New York , Brockport, New York, USA jdauenha@brockport.edu;3. Gerontology Program, Department of Psychology , Nazareth College of Rochester , Rochester, New York, USA;4. Department of Social Work, College at Brockport , State University of New York , Brockport, New York, USA;5. Department of Social Work and Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, College at Brockport , State University of New York , Brockport, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article describes the development and evaluation of an intergenerational service-learning course designed to promote social work gerocompetencies. Service-learning opportunities were structured into the course, including an optional evidence-based falls prevention program, for older adults, entitled A Matter of Balance (MOB). Significant differences between pre- and posttest scores on the Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale (GSWCS) were noted for students in the service learning course (n = 13). Once MOB was introduced as an independent variable, the MOB participants scored the highest mean posttest scores for 2 GSWCS domains: values, ethics, and theoretical perspectives; and intervention. The benefits of utilizing social work gerocompetencies to guide course objectives, content, and student outcomes are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Gerontology social work education aging competencies service learning |
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