Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1978

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Home Economics

First Advisor

Hildegarde Johnson

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to develop a two-week curriculum entitled Design for Dignity. The curriculum was to stimulate the student to think about aging and to improve his attitudes toward aging and the aged. More specifically, the instructional unit attempted to (1) provide accurate information about the aging process and sensitize the students to the needs of those who are presently elderly, and (2) help the students realize that they are patterning their own old age. The area of the older person was a suitable area in which to develop a curriculum as few available resources for teacher educators and students were available. As noted above, this is an area in which students should be knowledgeable. In fact, aging is one of the least understood aspects of life. The schools need to change this situation (Sartore, 1976). According to the White House Conference on Aging (1961), Education for aging is related to each aspect of aging and is part of the life long [sic] learning process. Education for everyone about aging will influence community attitudes and actions with respect to aging problems ... The initial stimulation of education programs for, and about, and by aging, should be through institutions that have public responsibility for education, that in combination, have nationwide coverage and that have the confidence of all groups. These institutions are public schools, institutions of higher learning, and libraries. The secondary purpose of the research was to evaluate the curriculum, Design for Dignity. This was done by administering the "What If ... " inventory as a pre-test and again as a post-test. The curriculum would be considered successful if attitudes changed in the positive direction.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Older people
Adolescent psychology

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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