Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Strategies that can be incorporated into the health and social service curriculum are needed to improve student interest in gerontological practice in order to help address the growing need for more practitioners. Past research indicates that students rank gerontology as the least preferred practice area, but a systematic review of the literature points to the potential of pedagogical interventions to change attitudes. A pilot study of one method used in an online graduate social work practice course focused on working with older adults is introduced. In two semesters of the same course taught by the same instructor, a critical deconstruction of aging using photography was implemented (N = 33). Positive aspects of aging were predominately featured in the photographs, but aging fears were also raised. Quantitative and qualitative results suggested that these activities helped students’ process their aging views, and most students reported some attitudinal change. The development of innovative ways to engage students online by repurposing technology that they are already using can advance online pedagogy and facilitate critical thinking. Future research should seek to test other methods to influence gerontological interest, including online strategies given the prominence of this modality.