Assignment:
Select one field assignment from the list below. Conduct your field work and write a reflection paper (3 to 5 pages, double-spaced). Your paper should start with a brief description of your fieldwork experience and address the posed questions below. In your report, apply at least one concept, issue, theory, etc. we learned in class when elaborating your reflective thoughts.
Full credits will be given if you satisfy all of the following criteria:
- Complete the assignment entirely and answer all the questions.
- Provide sufficient description of your fieldwork experience.
- Present thorough personal reflection on your fieldwork experience.
- Effectively use ideas/concepts we learned in class.
- Proofread the document and present no grammatical error.
- Provide your name, course number (i.e., GERO101.001), and submission date at the top of the first page.
- The paper is within the specified length (i.e., 3 to 5 pages, double-spaced).
Fieldwork Assignment List
Interview two people who work in health clubs to determine (1) how many people over 65 come into the club; (2) what the activities of older club participants are; and (3) what the interviewee thinks about having older people working out. What level of training to work with older adults do these people have? Is the club you visited a place that you would recommend to your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather (or your great-grandmother or great-grandfather) to attend? Why or why not?
Go to an event for older adults in your community like the Baltimore County Senior Expo (check the baltimorecounty.gov website for specific dates and times). Talk to two vendors or organizations at the event, and ask them how their product or services improves the quality of life for older adults in Baltimore County (please identify the vendors that you talked to at the Expo, and what you talked to them about in your reflection paper). Are you able to draw any conclusions about products and services for older adults in Baltimore County from attending this event?
Interview two older people who have remained in their professions - entrepreneurs, writers, teachers, executives, managers, or doctors, for example. Why do they continue working? Do they have any "retirement" plans?
Visit a local nursing home or assisted living residence in your community. Outline the major strengths and weaknesses with respect to how the environment in the residence promotes quality of life for its residents.
Interview at least one grandmother and one grandfather about the closeness of their relationships with their children and grandchildren. Include questions that explore how the relationships developed. How much interaction is there across the generations for these individuals? Why is the amount of involvement higher for some and lower for others?