The Internship Program in Gerontology
Undoubtedly, two of the “Best Practices” of this program are its use of Service Learning and internships. Indications from faculty and data from student and alumni surveys attest to this application format as being one of the best ways to learn. Real life application truly brings it all together, forcing critical thinking and synthesis of previously learned information.
When asked “What is the greatest strength of the Program?” the majority of answers included these two Best Practices! One student said “Community service learning – great tool for allowing students to interact with the target population and allow us to implement what we learn.” Another said, “The service learning that we had to complete in class and of course the internship experiences.” Two others also cited service learning and the internship! (Appendix P).
Although many of the alumni did not participate in Service Learning, as it was instituted in the last two and one-half years, one alumna identified it as a more global strength. She/he cited Program Goal #5 as the Program’s greatest strength. This goal is to “enhance and strengthen the relationship between the Gerontology Program and Sacramento area agencies and institutions planning or delivering services for older adults” (Appendix Q). Unquestionably this ties to service learning and internships from a programmatic “Best Practice” stand point. It also supports the missions of both the University and the College.
The departmental web page lists current internship opportunities at its website:
http://www.csus.edu/gero/internships.htm
The following are two Service Learning courses that the department offers:
| Field Experience in Gerontology GERO 195A Cheryl Osborne (Fall and Spring Semesters) |
Area 4 Agency on Aging; California Department of Health Services; City of Sacramento 50+Wellness Program; Eskaton Lodge Gold River; Foster Grandparent Program; Senior Day Care Center; Senior Care Solutions; Senior Worker Advocate Office |
This course provides Gerontology students with experience in community agency planning and delivery of professional service to older adults. Students complete a service learning project that benefits their host agency for the internship. Examples include development of a training guide (text, video or CD-Rom format), design and delivery of a PowerPoint Presentation on a policy issue, or design of a display board to present research findings in a specific topic. |
| Field Experience in Gerontology GERO 195B Cheryl Osborne (Fall and Spring Semesters) |
Area 4 Agency on Aging; California Department of Health Services; City of Sacramento 50+Wellness Program; Eskaton Lodge Gold River; Foster Grandparent Program; Senior Day Care Center; Senior Care Solutions; Senior Worker Advocate Office |
This course provides Gerontology students with experience in community agency planning and delivery of professional service to older adults. Students complete a service learning project that benefits their host agency for the internship. Examples include development of a training guide (text, video or CD-Rom format), design and delivery of a PowerPoint Presentation on a policy issue, or design of a display board to present research findings in a specific topic. |
