The purpose of this descriptive exploratory study was to investigate and report patterns of participation and motivational orientations of Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILR)participants enrolled in ILR programs in the Great Lakes region. In addition, the study sought to identify relevant demographic characteristics for this segment of the population and the effects of ILR upon participation and participants' perceived life satisfaction.The Great Lakes region ILR participant profile was most likely to be female, between the ages of 66 and 70, married and living with spouse. She shared a relatively high economic status and extensive formal educational experience and was affiliated with her ILP program 1 to 2 years.Motives for ILR participation were examined using the Educational Participation Scale (EPS) A-Form (Boshier, 1991). Two influential motives for participation emerged. The first was "Cognitive Interest", the joy of learning for the sake of learning. "Social Contact," having an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, was the second major reason for participation.The perceived life satisfaction or subjective well being of ILR participants was explored using the Life Satisfaction Index A-Form (LSIA) (Neugarten, et al, 1961). Overall respondents revealed a perceived positive life satisfaction. Positive indications of well being include hopeful outlooks for the future, social interactions and sense of accomplishment.Results of this study indicate that the pursuit of intellectually stimulating adult educational programs offered within- a socially stimulating environment appeal to lifelong learners enrolled in Institutes for Learning in Retirement programs. This study supports the conclusion of previous investigators that intellectual stimulation is a strong underlying motivation for participation. The second major finding with regard to reasons for participation in ILR programs was the importance of "social contact." / Department of Educational Leadership
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/176335 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | Garofolo, Patricia L. |
| Contributors | Murk, Peter J. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | xii, 180 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | nl----- |
Page generated in 0.0023 seconds