Bridging the Generation Gap

America is getting older. In the span of a generation, the average age of U.S. citizens will increase from 32.9 years (1990) to 37.1 years (2020). As the "baby-boom" generation ages, the proportion of America's population who are age 65, and over, will increase. In that year, Americans aged 60 and over will comprise nearly one quarter of the population. Thus, it becomes increasingly important for this country's youth to develop a relationship with our elderly population.

Jerrold Berkson, a teacher-counselor (retired) at Richard S. Sherman North Middle School in Great Neck, New York developed a program to achieve this goal. The program began in the late 1970's. Students were writing their autobiographies as part of an interdisciplinary section on immigration and assimilation. Berkson invited senior citizens into his school to assist the students. The seniors came from many ethnic and racial backgrounds and many of the seniors had emigrated to America in their youth. Through the presentations and discussions, the students learned about overcoming adversity and achieving happiness and fulfillment.

It was difficult to tell who benefitted the most from the experience: the students, the senior citizens or the teachers. The students learned about topics that weren't covered in most textbooks. Berkson says that the program helps kids to learn the "...idea that there is more in life than studying or material acquisition. The seniors gained a sense of purpose and the experience helped bolster their self-esteem. The teachers benefitted from the experience, also. In addition to serving as a valuable teaching resource, the seniors also helped the improve the kid's attitudes. Berkson reports that "there was such a spirit generated in the school that it was just fantastic."

Jerrold Berkson, North Middle School, 77 Polo Road, Great Neck, NY 11023.

This document was last updated 6/25/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth ing students that what they do in school affects their lives and their future jobs."

In this issue of Teacher Talk, we highlight examples of how schools are already breaking new ground and creating learning experiences which help develop life-long learning skills. Secondary students are:

working with the elderly and others who are ethnically or culturally different
providing service in their communities to enhance citizenship and learning goals
learning about the environmental conditions around the world
taking action on issues which are important to them
using telecommunications to link classrooms worldwide

These exciting and inspiring ideas are from teachers who are exploring the cutting edge of their profession. Their students are learning in innovative ways and responding positively. One student remarked, "This has been unlike any other learning experience." This issue shows a few of the many possibilities to break down the walls of classrooms.