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Developing gerontological competency: a curriculum approach.
Colleen Galambos1, Angela Curl
1School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. galambosc@missouri.edu
Gerontology & Geriatrics Education
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Students in a graduate gerontology course showed increased competency and knowledge regarding older adults after participating in a competency-based curriculum. This educational approach better prepares graduates for geriatric social work.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology Education
- Social Work Education
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Traditional curricula may not adequately prepare social work students for the complexities of geriatric care.
- A competency-based approach focuses on measurable skills and knowledge essential for effective practice with older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a competency-based educational model for a graduate gerontology course.
- To determine if student participation in this course enhances perceived competency and knowledge related to geriatric social work.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of a competency-based graduate gerontology course.
- Pretest and posttest administration of the Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II, Myths of Aging checklist, and Expectations Regarding Aging survey to 74 students (2008-2011).
- Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in perceived competency and knowledge.
Main Results:
- Students reported significantly higher competency skill levels at posttest compared to pretest (p < .01).
- Posttest results indicated significant increases in perceived knowledge of older adults (p < .01).
Conclusions:
- A competency-based curriculum effectively enhances students' perceived competency and knowledge in geriatric social work.
- This educational model better prepares social work graduates to work with older adult populations.
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