Strengthening Aging Content in the Baccalaureate Social Work Curricula: What Students Have to Say

Encouraging student's interest and preparing them for social work practice with older adults is increasingly important in view of the demographic changes that are taking place. This article describes a study that engages BSW students in a discussion of best models for promoting gerontological s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gerontological social work 2006-01, Vol.48 (1-2), p.47-62
Main Authors: Waites, Cheryl E., Lee, E. Othelia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Ageing
Aging
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate Social Work
College graduates
College students
Curricula
curricula infusion
Curriculum
Education
Focus Groups
Geriatric social work
Geriatrics - education
Gerontology
Humans
intergenerational
Intergenerational projects
Learning
North Carolina
Schools, Health Occupations
Social work
Social Work - education
Social Work - manpower
Students, Health Occupations
United States
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Description
Summary:Encouraging student's interest and preparing them for social work practice with older adults is increasingly important in view of the demographic changes that are taking place. This article describes a study that engages BSW students in a discussion of best models for promoting gerontological social work curriculum infusion. Using two focus groups, the authors explore barriers to student interest and potential strategies to recruit students for gerontological social work. Fear of their own decline and mortality, lack of exposure to older adults and aging issues emerge as the primary reasons for aversion to working with older adults. Strategies to promote student interest, organize curricula, and create an inclusive learning context are discussed.
ISSN:0163-4372
1540-4048
DOI:10.1300/J083v48n01_04