Engaged scholarship and gerontological program relevance: opportunities and challenges

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Education Studies
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Engaged scholarship involves equal partnerships between academic scholars and community representatives.
• These collaborations extend traditional service learning and applied research models.
• It emphasizes contributions to academic knowledge, public service, and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the contribution of engaged scholarship to gerontological education and research.
• To examine the role of engaged scholarship in educational philosophy and social justice.
• To discuss the relevance of engaged scholarship for civic responsibility and institutional accountability.

Main Methods:

• The study is a conceptual analysis and discussion of engaged scholarship.
• It draws on principles of educational philosophy and social justice.
• The authors synthesize existing literature and theoretical frameworks.

Main Results:

• Engaged scholarship can significantly enhance the relevance and impact of gerontology programs.
• It aligns with principles of social justice and promotes civic engagement.
• Benefits include enriched research and education, while barriers involve recruitment and participation challenges.

Conclusions:

• Engaged scholarship is vital for making gerontological education and research more relevant and impactful.
• It promotes social justice and strengthens the accountability of educational institutions.
• Addressing barriers is crucial for successful implementation and scholar recruitment.