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Using prime-time animation to engage students in courses on aging
1Department of Sociology, State University of New York-College at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA. curchlm@oneonta.edu
Prime-time animation can effectively teach college students about aging issues. Students found viewing and analyzing animated programs helpful for understanding complex concepts in aging courses.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Media Studies
- Education
Background:
- Prime-time animation often addresses contemporary societal issues, including aging.
- Utilizing popular media offers innovative pedagogical approaches for engaging students in higher education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the pedagogical value of prime-time animation in college courses, specifically those focused on aging.
- To assess student reception and perceived learning benefits of using animation in an undergraduate aging course.
Main Methods:
- Review of media and popular culture in college teaching, with a focus on prime-time animation.
- Implementation of animation viewings and associated assignments in an undergraduate aging course.
- A small survey to gather student feedback on the teaching technique.
Main Results:
- Students generally responded positively to viewing prime-time animation in class.
- Students reported that the animation viewings and assignments aided their comprehension of aging concepts and issues.
- The use of animation was perceived as a helpful learning tool for understanding gerontology.
Conclusions:
- Prime-time animation serves as a viable and effective tool for teaching about aging in college settings.
- Integrating popular culture, such as animation, can enhance student engagement and learning in specialized academic fields.
- Further research into media-based pedagogy in gerontology education is warranted.
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