ERIC Number: EJ1094517
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Mar-10
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1529-8094
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Aging Attitudes through a Puppet Making Research Study
Whiteland, Susan R.
International Journal of Education & the Arts, v17 n3 Mar 2016
Intergenerational programs often reduce ageism and stereotypical thinking. This author uses a mixed methods case study to investigate how attitudes may change when older adults and children participate in an intergenerational art project. The research question, "Is there a positive correlation in children's attitudes toward older adults and aging after interacting together in an engaging intergenerational art activity" is explored. Context for the study is in an elementary classroom. Gifted and talented students partner with volunteering older adults from the community to create hand puppets, write scripts and dramatize personal stories dealing with the big idea of communication. Statistical analysis using t-tests did not show significant change in students' attitudes, yet there was evidence that students constructed new meaning toward their understanding of aging and older adults.
Descriptors: Aging (Individuals), Intergenerational Programs, Puppetry, Elementary School Students, Student Attitudes, Older Adults, Art Activities, Mixed Methods Research, Case Studies, Attitude Change, Correlation, Gifted, Scripts, Dramatics, Questionnaires
International Journal of Education & the Arts. 1310 South 6th Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 402-472-9958; Fax: 402-472-2837; Web site: http://www.ijea.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A