Enhancing student gerocompetencies: evaluation of an intergenerational service learning course.
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.
Dauenhauer
Jason A
JA
Department of Social Work, College at Brockport, State University of New York, Brockport, New York 14420, USA. jdauenha@brockport.edu
Steitz
David W
DW
Aponte
Carmen I
CI
Fromm Faria
Debra
D
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*