Learning in Later Life (3Ls) Students’ Association 3Ls Research Group was supported by Dr Rob Mark, former Head of the Centre for Lifelong Learning, and Emeritus Professor Aline-Wendy Dunlop, School of Education, University of Strathclyde. 1 Annual Conference Ls Research Group

Older Adults’ Engagement in Younger People’s Learning The researchers Val Bissland, Carole Ford, Kay Roberts, Carl Bow, Anne Cairns, Peter Cairns, John Parkhill Genesis of the project Methods The POET Project (Pedagogies of Educational Transitions) Research questions Findings and questions raised 2

POET Pedagogies of Educational Transitions Professional beliefs Scotland, Iceland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand Transitions Family engagement 3

Methods Pilot interviews Focus groups 4

Research Questions These ideas were developed in the focus groups. Topic 1: Each person’s own experience of older adults’ influences Topic 2: Past or current learning experiences with a younger person Topic 3: Ideas on how society can better utilise the current abundant resource of older adults 5

Emerging themes Findings 6 1: Diverse socio-cultural environments 2 : Attitudinal factors 3 : Influential types of empathetic relationships

Emerging themes Findings 7 1: Diverse socio-cultural environments Different needs Motivation Barriers of class Cultural capital Limited resources Rules and regulations

Emerging themes Findings 8 2: Attitudinal Factors Trust Commitment Collaboration Open to new ideas Influence of own beliefs and others’ beliefs

Emerging themes Findings Paired effort Mentoring Practical help Emotional impact 3 : Influential types of empathetic relationships 9

Questions raised 10 1: How can we break down some of the barriers? 2: How can we create a shift in societal attitudes so the benefits of collaboration between young and old are clearer? 3: How can we make it more attractive to older adults to become involved with younger people?