| Scope and method of study. In the spring of 1990, 439 surveys, Teacher Information Questionnaire, were mailed to Oklahoma vocational and general home economics teachers to gather demographic data, for measuring their knowledge of aging (Facts on Aging Quiz), and to assess the attitudes of the teachers toward aging (Semantic Differential). A total of 307 questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic data and frequencies and means on the measurements. Pearson correlation, chi square, analysis of variance, and factor analysis were utilized in analyzing the data collected.;Findings and conclusions. Mean age of the teachers was 39.6 years with average teaching experience of 12.9 years. Of those responding, 209 were teaching aging. The mean rating for the eighteen adjective pairs was 4.5 on the seven point scale. Mean number correct on the Facts On Aging Quiz was 14.9 (60%) of a possible 25. Scores indicate teachers have positive attitudes and above average knowledge of aging. Significant relationships were found for teaching aging and training in care of the elderly, and for FAQI scores and age of the teacher. Chi square revealed a significant difference in frequencies of young, middle aged, and older teachers who were teaching aging. A negative significant relationship was determined for attitude score and teaching aging. In-service training for practicing teachers and the inclusion of adult development courses at the pre-service level may help to dispel myths and stereotypes of aging and the elderly commonly held by society. |
