"But I Don't Know How to Talk to Old People!" Using Service Learning to Teach Intergenerational Communication Competence

• In Event: Innovative Pedagogy in Lifespan and Aging Communication

Abstract

Service learning has come to be viewed as a valuable educational tool. This presentation will focus on incorporating aging-related service learning into the communication classroom. Specifically, I will examine a service-learning assignment within an interpersonal communication classroom that asked students to demonstrate competent conversation through appropriate communication accommodation in conversations with older adults. In this activity, students taught computer skills to older adult residents of an assisted living facility. Student learning outcomes included: 1) understanding the heterogeneous communication needs of older adults, 2) demonstrating an understanding of relevant course theories and concepts like communication competence and communication accommodation, 3) applying ethnographic research methods to chronicle the service-learning interaction, and 4) producing a reflection paper integrating course theories with students’ service learning experiences. Student and community partner feedback regarding this activity were overwhelmingly positive.

Author

• Elizabeth Jones, Asbury University