Abstract
There is considerable interest in involving senior citizens as active participants in the instruction of secondary school curriculum to utilize the skills, talents, and expertise of this growing segment of the population. This study investigated perceptions of secondary school principals regarding the value of senior citizens as instructional mentors in secondary education. Current programs using the talents of senior citizens in the communities and schools were identified. The research also identified benefits and concerns of the concept of involving this population as instructional resources. Survey research methodology was used to gather and report data. Stratified sampling procedures were used to randomly select 319 Texas secondary school principals. A usable response rate of 76.2 was achieved. Responses to close-ended questions were analyzed based on five variables, including gender, age, interaction with senior citizens, experience, and community environment of each responding principal. Responses to open-ended questions were classified into eight major categories and analyzed for frequency and content. The literature revealed that there were many successful programs involving senior citizens in various roles and situations in public schools throughout the country. Programs established by universities appeared to enjoy consistent success using senior citizens as instructional mentors. There was strong evidence that programs using older volunteers in the classroom have a positive effect on student attitudes, academic performance, behavior, and attendance. Results of the survey indicated that three-fourths of Texas secondary schools had volunteer programs, while less than half used senior citizens as volunteers. Most volunteer programs were small and less than one-third used their volunteers in teaching roles. Results from the questionnaire showed that responding principals strongly supported the idea of using senior citizens as instructional mentors, and felt that a program such as this would succeed. Significantly higher levels of enthusiasm were reported by older principals, principals from city and suburban environments, and those with daily interaction with senior citizens.
Dickson, Gloria Ann (1990). Senior citizens as instructional mentors to enhance the secondary school curriculum. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1117076.