Preferowane praktyki edukacyjne w placówkach edukacji pozaformalnej w perspektywie uczestników w starszym wieku oraz ich instruktorów

Agnieszka Konieczna

doi:10.21697/fp.2025.1.19

Published: 2025-08-27

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2025)

Preferred Educational Practices in Non-Formal Education Settings in the Perspective of Older Participants and Their Trainers

Agnieszka Konieczna

Pedagogical Forum

Section: Articles and essays

https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2025.1.19

Abstract

Senior education played an increasingly important role in an aging society, and creating friendly educational environments was key to engaging this group. However, seniors and instructors differed in their assessment of which features were the most important. The aim of the study was to identify the elements of a friendly and valued educational environment by comparing the perspectives of older participants and their instructors regarding preferred educational practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with both groups in Polish non-formal education institutions. Seniors preferred classes held in a kind atmosphere, allowing for free interaction, in small groups, and led by empathetic instructors, without pressure or excessive formal requirements. Instructors emphasized the diversification of methods, adjusting the pace, and supporting learners in overcoming health and cognitive difficulties. Both groups recognized the importance of individualization, although they interpreted it differently. The results pointed to the need to integrate both perspectives in the design of educational programs to better meet the diverse needs of seniors.

Keywords:

non-formal senior education, educational practices, participant perspective, instructor perspective

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Konieczna, A. (2025). Preferred Educational Practices in Non-Formal Education Settings in the Perspective of Older Participants and Their Trainers. Pedagogical Forum, 15(1), 225–236. https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2025.1.19

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