University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri's BEL project was an experiential learning opportunity for BSW students in their foundation class, Intervention with Communities and Organizations. Students conduct videotaped interviews with older adults using an oral history format; upon completion the interviews were given to the older adult as a “thank you” for their participation and provided to the local historical society.

The goals of this project were twofold: (1) to increase aging competency with our students and to give them an opportunity to practice interview skills with older adults, and (2) to partner with local senior centers, churches, historical societies, local aging agencies, and older adult specialists in the region to recruit interviewees. The objectives were to offer the oral history assignment in every semester that the Intervention class was available; to assess the effectiveness of this project intervention by pre/post test methodology, reflection papers, and class comments; and to increase knowledge of ageism and older adult demographics through one class dedicated to older adult issues.

Courses that Included Experiential Activity:

• Practice with Organizations
• Community Practice

Gero Practice Behaviors:

• Use empathy and sensitive interviewing skills to engage older clients in identifying their strengths and problems.
• Adapt interviewing methods to potential sensory, language, and cognitive limitations of the older adult.
• Assess and address values and biases regarding aging.