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Working with Older Volunteers in Manual Intergenerational Projects
Intergenerational Learning and Working
Next to encouraging the mobility of senior citizens intergenerational learning
was the special and innovative approach of the TRAMP Project. The social
and socio-economical transformation within the last 30-40 years has reduced
the opportunities for intergenerational contact and mutual support. Experiential
knowledge of the older generation runs the risk of getting lost, the senior
citizens often have problems using new technical possibilities and general
knowledge about living conditions no longer reaches the other generation.
Intergenerational learning in itself is a challenge for which there are few tested
concepts in the national context yet. TRAMP links them with the aspect of intercultural
learning, where communication needs to overcome a barrier by the lack
of a common language anyway. However, four pilot projects were successfully
completed, not only because of precise organisation and preparation. A common
goal awakens and strengthens the ability to learn from each other and together.
Manual tasks are communicated nonverbally, practical and communicative
skills are used of old and young for the common task. TRAMP was an attempt
to explicate intergenerational learning; the kind of learning which implicitly
happens in families and in vocational training was made visible in
the context of this project by bringing together several generations and by
reflection and feedback processes.
Exchange programmes which relate to the TRAMP model create opportunities
where all three aspects of this form of learning can be involved
• Learning from each other (dialogic learning)
• Learning with each other (communicative learning)
• Learning about each other (comprehensive learning)
Definition
Franz Kolland, social gerontologist at the University of Vienna, defines the
term intergenerational learning as a mutual learning relationship and interaction
between young and old, therefore implies the involvement of members of
two or more generations to open up the different generational perspectives.
Goals are
• the prevention of isolation
• the prevention of myths and stereotypes
•
cooperation in order to achieve common aims
Set of Methods 95