<p> The focus of this quasi-experimental pre-post study with mixed methods was to assess the effect of an experiential learning activity on freshmen and sophomore nursing students' cognitive and affective knowledge of sensory changes that occur in older adults as part of the aging process. Based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, the students took part in an interactive learning experience using low fidelity simulation which included a Sensory Kit, a Power Point<sup>©</sup> Presentation and Unfair Hearing Test©. Participants were guided through reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, active experimentation and concrete experience during the study. An overall increase in cognitive knowledge was found to have occurred in all subgroups which included those who have either worked or lived with older adults or have had previous training in a geriatric sensitivity training program as well as those who have not in the aforementioned categories. The total sample (N=72) had a pre-test Mean±SD of 58.06±12.29 and post-test Mean±SD of 80.97±9.06 with a <i>p</i> < 0.0001. Affective knowledge was analyzed using the coding method in which the written data was organized into four themes: Student Experience; Anticipated Feelings of Older Adults as Experienced by the Students; Changes in Participants' Feelings towards Older Adults after the Experience and Influence on Participants for Future Practice with Older Adults. The subjects reported an overall sense of empathy along with anticipated feelings of frustration and anger, gaining a greater sense of respect and admiration for older adults as well as special safety concerns to address in their plans of care.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3687393 |
| Date | 03 April 2015 |
| Creators | Kelly, Angela Gallo |
| Publisher | Carlow University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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