An Ethnographic Study of the Learning Needs, Strategies, and Networks of African American Adults Age 65 and Over in Rural Texas
Date
2013-08
Authors
Townsel, Evelyn Melinda
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Abstract
This study revealed that rural older Blacks have personal learning and related information needs. The study involved the process of researching the learning initiatives of 14 African American adults who were age 65 and over and residents in rural Texas communities. The study participants provided information about their learning needs and learning support contacts within their communities. A semi-structured interview guide
was used to help to gather data about individual learning needs and local resources, and a diagram of overlapping or concentric circles was used to analyze learning connections between the study participants and the people who they trust. This study also explored the obstacles to learning experienced by the study participants and demonstrated how the availability of resources shaped the learning environment and the potential for success of study participants.
Description
Keywords
Adult learning, Aged, Aging, Barriers to learning, African Americans, Age 65 and over, Blacks, Information needs, Learning needs, Learning networks, Older adults 65+, Race, Rural, Rural African Americans, Rural older adults, Social convoys, Social networks, Texas
Citation
Townsel, E. M. (2013). An ethnographic study of the learning needs, strategies, and networks of African American adults age 65 and over in rural Texas (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.