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Group dynamics in a discussion group for older adults: does gender play a role? / Kate de Medeiros ... [et al.].

Medeiros, Kate de; Harris-Trovato, Dana; Bradley, Evelyn; Gaines, Jean; Parrish, John

Educational gerontology, v. 33, no. 2, 2007. pp.111-125

Philadelphia: Routledge, Taylor & Francis, 2007.

Lifelong learning programs continue to grow in span and scope. Few studies, however, have investigated how older adults themselves participate in group learning. The central question explored in our study was as follows: Does gender play a role in group dynamics for older adults? Two groups of volunteers (age 62 to 96 years) enrolled in a 16-week discussion group. Groups were videotaped and turns at talk were counted. Results revealed that although men were the minority, they accounted for a substantial proportion of the turns at talk for both groups. Further research on lifelong learning is needed to understand how gender dynamics may affect older learners.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

Article; Lifelong learning; Older people; Group dynamics; Group discussion; Sex differences; Adult learning; Gender; United States

0360-1277 1521-0472 (online)

Subscription (March 2007): Taylor & Francis, 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Ph: +1 215 625 8900; Fax: +1 215 625 2940; Internet: <http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/10668926.a....> (viewed March 2007)