Newfoundland - Learning Options for Seniors

Newfoundland - 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: Elaine Healey - NFLD (MUN)

Various organizations are involved with life-long learning and have programs for seniors including the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador that offers a variety of general interest programs. Older adults prepare programs consisting of small classes on varied topics, i.e., weather/climate, archaeology, land settlement, computers. Facilitators are retired teachers/professors. Duration is 8-10 weeks at a charge of $80/course. Cost recovery programs are necessary. College of the North Atlantic is also offers a continuing education program .

Memorial University offers Life Long Learning by utilizing a Student-Senior Connection program. Students, either with degrees or seeking one, are paired with seniors for a one-on-one instruction, particularly in computers. They visit seniors at home, set up computers and instruct in use of programs. Courses also offered at Senior housing. Promotes social interaction as well as knowledge sharing.

Fabulous at 50+Program (many participants are 70+) offers a variety of day courses: photography (digital and film), bridge, art classes, rug hooking, accordion, fiddle, singing, languages (French, Spanish and Chinese) among others.

Courses offered to seniors are primarily in the St. John’s area. They are now seeking out-reach programs.

New Brunswick - 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: Beth Paynter - NB (UNB)

Programs for 50+ are community-based. There are:

• Service groups,
• Resource groups, and
• Senior organizations

who promote healthy living by improving quality of life by staying active through physical and mental exercise.

UNB has a No Limits Program which offers a variety of courses, (some in the evening), workshops, seminars and travel. The NB Museum offers guided tours. Kits of interest are loaned to those who are house-bound. Bounty of the Bay offers courses in marine sciences through Huntsman Marine Institute in St. Andrew's as well as UNB.

NB universities are varied in the tuition costs for 65+ seniors, from pay per course, to no course charge, to others offering rebates and bursary programs.

Stepping Stone Senior Centre in Fredericton, is under the umbrella of New Horizons which offers affordable programs. Talent and experiences are shared through book groups, games, exercise, dance, music, sociology, drama and computer learning.

The Université du 3e âge du Sud-Est Inc. (UTA) is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to help seniors acquire and maintain a good quality of life. While being self-governing, UTA is affiliated with Université de Moncton where its office is located. Its Board of Directors is made up of elected seniors, councillors from the Université de Moncton and representatives from seniors’ organizations.

Université du 3e âge was established in 1978, has 5 chapters and is both a Provincial and National Association. They promote informed discussions, research, advocacy, education and senior helping senior. Although senior enrolment is rising, they realize ‘Boomer’ needs are different, so have developed a 5 year action plan (strategy). ’Move or Rust’ is a training for exercising program. It was developed to encourage exercising by promoting aqua training and a physical education program. Two sessions are offered at $100/year which includes membership.

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