Nova Scotia - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Linda MacDonald - NS (St. Mary's University)

Described three models of learning:

• Formal,
• In-formal, and
• Non-Formal

Formal: University learning toward degree.

• St. Mary’s no longer offers free tuition for seniors (65+).
• All audit or credit courses are $600.00.
• Many other NS universities do not charge a tuition to seniors (65+) participating in audit or credit courses.
• Various Life-Long Learning partnership exist with universities in Nova Scotia.
• Leadership provided by a board.
• For most seniors, learning is primary and socialization is secondary.
• Indications are that ‘Boomers’ will demand more course selection.

In-formal: Incidental/casual learning from others.

• Halifax public library offers monthly lectures free to the public.
• Love of learning is gained by offering a variety of topics, i.e., current events or timely subjects of particular interest to seniors.
• Bus tours are part of the socialization for seniors.

Non-Formal: Centered around needs of individual communities and often structured for creativity, i.e., performing and/or visual arts and variety of crafts.

• Moderators are often volunteers.
• Elder Learners is a monthly, Saturday morning, three hour lecture series offered during fall and winter on St. Mary’s campus.
• Lectures are current events, civic education, culture, heritage, science.
• There is a membership fee and a charge for lectures which includes parking and lunch.

Life long learning is a investment in human capital development. Individuals help each other by building relationships. Statistics indicate that more women, (feminization of aging is primary cause), than men participate in formal classes with percentages as high as 90%=females, 10%=males. That said, other statistics indicate many men seem to be more comfortable in In-formal and Non-formal settings. Opportunities to meet and learn from other men by participating in hands-on courses, i.e., computers, repair/restore items and work in metal or wood shop projects are successful.

Closed with a description of the Three Domains of Learning:

• Cognitive = Head;
• Affective = Heart;
• Psycho-Motor = Hand