title: First- and second-year gerontology students: Research activities heightened connectedness to learning.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure 1st- and 2nd-year students' engagement as a result of a qualitative inquiry and field experiences with elders residing in an independent and assisted living retirement community. Undergraduate student research and field experiences are often introduced toward the completion of undergraduate students' academics. The findings suggest discovery and further consideration to implement undergraduate research and field experiences at the beginning of students' academic experiences in gerontology. Outcomes further suggest that early introduction of gerontological research and field experiences may assist in educating students about agism, potentially dissuading personal fears of their aging or apprehensions in working with elders. Optimal student engagement is evidenced through connectedness to learning, understanding of aging concepts through the lens of research, and enhanced learning metaphorically described as a woven gerontological tapestry.
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Elyse D'nn
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Lovell
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Janna R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Marjamaa
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Natasha Gomez
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Shortnacy
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Kara M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Cevera
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Anna J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rainville
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Chelsi J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Nalivka
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Alison S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Shayna D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lamping
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: a Highlands College of Montana Tech of the University of Montana , Butte , Montana , USA.
authors.forename: Jessica R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D063506:Ageism / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Student research; ageism; connectedness to learning; field experiences; undergraduate student research