Intergenerational learning. Theory, Research, Practice

8 Mar 2017

Intergenerationality is one of the most natural aspects of learning, which stays with us for more or less all of our lives, in a variety of life situations, in a variety of environments, and in a variety of activities. The significant age difference between the learner and the person teaching feels natural. The general assumption is that this very age difference will guarantee a sufficiency of information, stimuli and experience which the learner will be able to profit from. This volume is trying to somewhat problematize this “natural feel” of intergenerational learning and even challenge it to some extent. We are showing that learning situations in which people from different generations encounter one another are specific in many respects: by learning contents, by types of activity on the part of the individual participants while providing and accepting learning stimuli, by the variety of learning situations and opportunities. Participants of intergenerational learning must face specific challenges but may profit from specific benefits. The book explores not only at the theoretical level, in its first part, but also by empirical research of intergenerational learning across a variety of social environments: in school, in the workplace, and in communities.