The Reading Warehouse

Harnessing the proven benefits of active learning strategies, this is the first activity book created for a broad spectrum of courses in aging-related higher education. It features 32 classroom and community-based educational activities for instructors seeking to introduce or enhance aging content in their courses. Underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of aging studies, the book encompasses teaching strategies for instructors in such disciplines as counseling, family studies, gerontology, geriatrics, medicine, psychology, public administration, public health, nursing, social work, sociology, speech pathology, and others.

This peer-reviewed collection of hands-on activities is designed by noted educators in aging and incorporates Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) competencies. It offers clear, step-by-step procedures for implementing each activity, including preparation, introduction, the activity itself, discussion/reflection, wrap-up or follow-up if appropriate, and assessment. The book also addresses learning outcomes and includes recommendations for number of participants, settings, materials, and time required. Encompassing key, impactful issues affecting older individuals, the text examines ageism and aging in the media, dementia, demography, health care, housing, physical aging, policy and politics of aging, positive interactions with older adults, and spirituality. In addition to the book's value to students, its activities are also beneficial to professionals instructing or participating in staff trainings, in-services, and continuing education.

Key Features:

• Contains 32 experiential learning activities for students in a great variety of aging-related disciplines
• Designed for activities in the classroom, in the community, online, and take-home
• Provides clear, step-by-step procedures for each activity from implementation through assessment
• Addresses student learning outcomes and includes a glossary
• Incorporates AGHE competencies
• Provides worksheets and forms to be downloaded for printing or electronic completion

Rona J. Karasik, PhD, is Professor and Director, Gerontology Program, St. Cloud State University, where she has taught since 1993. She is a Fellow of both AGHE and the Gerontological Society of America and received the AGHE Distinguished Teacher Award in 2010. Dr. Karasik is the author of several articles on intergenerational service-learning, internships and gerontological education. Currently she teaches a wide range of courses including Introduction to Gerontology, Health and Aging, Dementia, Aging and Community, and Housing and Transportation Options for Older Adults. Her research interests include gerontological pedagogy, experiential learning and community engagement, and specialized housing for older adults.

Hallie Baker, PhD, is Associate Professor, Psychology Department, Muskingum University. Dr. Baker supports traditional and non-traditional students through both face-to-face and online pedagogy as she teaches courses in Psychology and the Health Sciences. Currently she teaches Adulthood and Aging, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Lifespan Development, Introduction to Psychology, Social Gerontology, and Health Policy. She has taught Behavioral Statistics, Research Methods, and Sociology of the Family in recent years. Her research interests include online pedagogy, disability and aging, long-term care, research ethics, and the pedagogy of gerontology. Currently, Dr. Baker works to train her peers in the best practices in online teaching and works to improve the resources available for online students at Muskingum University. She is also a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio with past experience in geriatric social work.

Tina M. Kruger, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Applied Health Sciences, Indiana State University (ISU). Dr. Kruger developed and directs an undergraduate Gerontology certificate program at ISU. She teaches Society and Aging, Health Promotion and Aging, Family Relationships, Health Biostatistics, and Research Methods and is active in several research projects. Dr. Kruger has been recognized for her teaching efforts through the Rising Star Junior Faculty Honor from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Faculty Outstanding Community Engagement Award from the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services at ISU. Her research interests include health behaviors and aging, sustainability and aging, art and aging, and the pedagogy of gerontology. Her work includes several community-based participatory research studies related to physical and mental health, primarily conducted with residents of low resource areas.