Exploring Educational Interests and Preferences of Older Adults

Wachter, Hans-Peter

Exploring Educational Interests and Preferences of Older Adults

dc.contributor.advisor	Woodfin, Tom
dc.contributor.author	Wachter, Hans-Peter
dc.contributor.committeeMember	Eodice, Michele
dc.contributor.committeeMember	Bert, Shannon
dc.contributor.committeeMember	Caldwell, Mack
dc.contributor.committeeMember	Kim, Junghwan
dc.date.accessioned	2018-12-21T14:38:11Z
dc.date.available	2018-12-21T14:38:11Z
dc.date.issued	2018-12-14
dc.date.manuscript	2018-12-14
dc.description.abstract	This qualitative study examines the lived experience of 12 older adults aged 55 – 86, participants in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and living independently in the Midwest of the United States. The primary data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Data from the interviews were coded and analyzed guided by the research questions. The research resulted in four major themes; sociability, desire for learning, educational barriers or affordances and environmental factors. Clusters surrounding the main themes were analyzed using MAXQDA software guided by the principles of narrative, qualitative research. The illuminated experiences of the older adults serve as a framework for the discussion of exploring educational interest and the educational preferences older adults nominate. The study revealed as major themes 1. the sociability and social interaction opportunities older adults seek, 2. the desire of learning for the sake of learning, 3. barriers or affordances life-long learning poses on the older adult and 4. the preferences for factors in a learning environment.	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/11244/316818
dc.subject	Gerontology	en_US
dc.subject	Elderhood	en_US
dc.subject	Older Adults	en_US
dc.thesis.degree	Ph.D.	en_US
dc.title	Exploring Educational Interests and Preferences of Older Adults	en_US
ou.group	Graduate College	en_US