title: Impact of an infusion model on social work students' aging knowledge, attitudes, and interests.
abstract: This study sought to provide data regarding the use of infusion of gerontological materials throughout curriculums to enhance students' attitudes toward older adults, their knowledge of aging-related issues, and their perceptions of gerontological social work. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare outcomes for graduate social work students who were and those who were not exposed to gerontological infusion. Results indicated that exposed students experienced a greater improvement in their view of aging-related career opportunities and in their belief in the importance of gerontological social work. Treatment group students also showed greater gains in self-rated aging knowledge. Both treatment and control group students had significant gains in a test of aging-related knowledge. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Tennessee, College of Social Work, 193E Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210, USA. scumming@utk.edu
authors.forename: Sherry M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cummings
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McClure Cassie
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galambos
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013714:Tennessee