In this article, I address the contemporary discussion of later-life courses in music education research and how it might perpetuate the discrimination and stereotyping of older adults. Drawing from the sociology of aging, I aim to show that one possible way to tackle the ageist assumptions in music education is to reflect on rethinking,…

The 20th century saw some of the most important technological and scientific discoveries in the history of humankind. The space shuttle, the internet, and other modern advances changed society forever, and yet many students cannot imagine what life was like before these technologies existed. In the project described here, students take a firsthand…

It is often stated that the physical properties of our universe are "fine tuned"--that is, they must be almost exactly as they are to make the development of intelligent life possible. The implications of this statement, called the "anthropic principle," have been widely discussed in a philosophical context, but the scientific basis for the…

This article profiles six educators who have taught for as long as two generations. These educators are the following: (1) Hazel Wilson--teaching 47 years; (2) Agnes Zeiger--teaching 61 years; Rose Gilbert--teaching 51 years; (4) Ellie Johnson--teaching 52 years; (5) Roy Clare--teaching 48 years; and (6) Carrie Hansen--54 years in education. These…

A basic premise of social approaches to studying communication is that theories of interpersonal communication and personal relationships are reflexively defined, socially constructed, and historically situated. In contrast to the tradition of psychological models of relational processes and message transmission, social approaches encourage…

Students attending a lecture usually have a wide range of prior knowledge about the topic in question. Rather than seeing this as a problem, lecturers can take advantage of such differences. This article shows how students' misconceptions about old age were used to inform a lecture on the topic. Prior knowledge can thus be used to aid teaching and…

Music programs can provide children with positive experiences with senior citizens. Described is a program in which fifth graders sang in a chorus with senior citizens at the latters' monthly luncheon meeting. (RM)

Discusses a short course using commercial films that explores popular views of the elderly. Explains the primary goal of the course as enhancing student ability to critically examine the images of older people presented in the mass media. Includes discussions of articles, films, and written assignments. (DK)

The article offers suggestions for recruiting, training, utilizing, scheduling, and retaining senior citizen volunteers in the special education classroom. (DB)

Describes a media history assignment in which students interview older adults about changes they have observed in communication media. (PD)

The authors explain how role playing helps home health aides learn to cope with common problems that arise in their work with the homebound elderly and their families. (CT)

Research shows that elderly persons have innate capacities for musical development and that those capacities are maintained with age. Successful, quality musical experiences can be created to meet the broad interests of the elderly. (RM)

Reviews research literature published between 1957 and 1990 regarding the musical involvement of the elderly. Divides studies into works dealing with (1) musical aptitude, (2) musical preferences, (3) music programs for older adults, and (4) the aging voice. Cites the enormous and growing quantity and quality of research on the subject. Identifies…

To help students identify with and appreciate the elderly, this annotated bibliography lists 24 books for kindergarten through seventh grade that involve children and young people in close relationships with older people. Annotations, divided according to primary level or upper elementary level, include publisher and date of publication, as well…

A 7th-grade teacher describes a unit on the elderly involving films, books, a visit to a local nursing home, and other activities. Resources for teaching about old age are listed. Suggestions for preparing for and following up on a nursing home visit and ideas for related activities are presented. (MT)