Effectiveness of an Active Learning Program for Enhancing Knowledge, Attitudes and Empathy toward Older Adults among Junior Secondary School Students

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent compare groups pretest-posttest designs aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an active learning program for enhancing knowledge, attitudes and empathy toward older adults among junior secondary school students. The sample consisted of 68 grade 8 students, divided into two groups, namely 33 students for an experimental group, 35 students for a comparison group. The experimental group received an active learning program, which included six in-class activities, a 50-minute learning session, and five online activities during the week via the LINE Application. The study period of this program was 6 weeks. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaires at pre-and post-experimental periods. The data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and Paired Samples t-test to compare the score differentiations. The research findings revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a statistically (p <0.05) significant increase in mean scores across two dimensions namely, knowledge and empathy toward older adults, compared to both their pre-intervention scores and those of the comparison group. Except dimensions of attitudes toward older adults showed an increase in mean scores, but no statistically (p =0.121) significant was found. However, after the experiment, the experimental group had a significantly (p = 0.021) higher mean score than the comparison group. These results indicate the program able to support as a guideline for enhancing adolescents’ knowledge and understanding of older adults while fostering positive attitudes and empathy by integrating them into school curricula. This, in turn, may contribute to improving the quality of life and well-being of older adults.