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Intergenerational Learning in Action

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Third International Handbook of Lifelong Learning

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE))

Abstract

Intergenerational learning (IGL) is an emerging form of lifelong learning. IGL means that representatives of two or more generations are involved in the common activity, and knowledge, skills, and experiences are shared. Intergenerational practice is one of the few solutions to combat ageism and respond to demographic challenges in societies and organizations. Rapid changes in society have resulted in the need to create new learning opportunities for diverse age groups on a largest scale from children to the oldest old. From the perspective of generations, the solution limited to formal training courses would not work, but one of the answers can be provided by professionally performed IGL.

IGL projects that are well-considered and compliant with the theoretical bases have achieved positive results. At the same time, the misunderstanding that bringing together representatives of different generations is sufficient for initiating intergenerational practice and “instant intergenerational magic” occurs is widespread (Generations united, The benefits of intergenerational programs. Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.gu.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=71wHEwUd0KA%3D&tabid=157&mid=606, 2007).

In addition to the traditional direction of the flow of knowledge between participants in IGL from the older generation to the younger, new forms of IGL have also been developed like reverse mentoring or service-learning approach in which young people are seen as a source of new skills.

The current chapter provides an overview of the definition of IGL, the demand, and benefits of IGL as well as initiatives, forms, and qualitative core dimensions of sustainable intergenerational programs. The final part of the chapter offers critical considerations and future perspectives of IGL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia

    Tiina Tambaum

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  1. Tiina Tambaum
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Correspondence to Tiina Tambaum .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK

    Karen Evans

  2. Lifelong Learning Institute, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, Singapore

    Wing On Lee

  3. 3S Research and Consultancy Insitute, Vienna, Austria

    Jörg Markowitsch

  4. Dept of Psychosocial Studies, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK

    Miriam Zukas

Section Editor information

  1. Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, Singapore

    Wing On Lee

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Tambaum, T. (2022). Intergenerational Learning in Action. In: Evans, K., Lee, W.O., Markowitsch, J., Zukas, M. (eds) Third International Handbook of Lifelong Learning. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67930-9_35-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67930-9_35-1

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