An innovative methodology in the University Program for Seniors: the case of the Meteorology subject at the University of Vigo

• Autores: Diego Fernández Nóvoa, Xurxo Costoya Noguerol, María Teresa de Castro Rodríguez, Moncho Gómez Gesteira
• Localización: Edulearn 18. 10th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technology: (Palma, 2nd-4th of July, 2018). Conference proceedings / coord. por Luis Gómez Chova, A. López Martínez, I. Candel Torres, 2018, ISBN 978-84-09-02709-5, págs. 1018-1023
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The University Program for Seniors was implemented in the University of Vigo in order to incorporate people older than 55 years to the University. The idea of the program is that people with different cultural background and motivations can access to the university environment. In fact, previous academic studies are not necessary to access to this program. Therefore, the Program for Seniors supposes a singular experience and a great challenge for teachers since they should adapt the subject to students with different background knowledge to achieve the same objectives. This paper aims to show the development of a successfully methodology to reach the established objectives in the University Program for Seniors, with special attention to the Physical Science subjects. In fact, this paper will be focused on the Meteorology subject. The first step was to know the differences in the background of students in order to compensate them with the objective of establishing a common knowledge level, which allows the good development of the subject. Moreover, the combination of theoretical concepts with practical exercises applied to real life, as well as the continuous exchange and debate with the students in order to get an active participation, showed to be the keys for the successful development of the subjects in this particular Program. The level of success of the methodology proposed was evaluated by means of assessments with the students to know their degree of satisfaction, adaptation and knowledge acquired during the development of the subject. This exchange with students also allows knowing the strengths and weaknesses of this proposal, which favours a continuous improvement in the teaching at this university level.