Intergenerational learning: Challenging stereotypes and supporting social connection

Press/Media: Article/Feature

Description

The combination of intergenerational art, movement and Indigenous cultural connections has been relatively overlooked when it comes to wellbeing. Participating in communal art and movement improves social connectionswellbeing, and creativity while being an enjoyable activity for all. Our project supports the Australian government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive: A Place for Every Story, A Story for Every Place, by recognising and respecting the foundational centrality of First Nations knowledge in Australian arts, culture and education, and the importance of nurturing and celebrating Indigenous knowledge-holders as talented leaders and creators.

There are few opportunities in schools and universities that enable generations to learn together. We separate generations for schooling from a very young age, and establish an expectation of age-appropriate education that persists in all forms of learning. Research shows that one in three Australians have indicated they’re lonely, especially since COVID 19. Older people (defined by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as 65-plus) often report feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

Research suggests that many face barriers to access and participate in collaborative activities that may enhance feelings of wellbeing ,such as joining informal group exercise classes or participating in creative events. Similarly, studies report there’s been an increase in loneliness among youth. As a result, older and young people are less likely to engage in activities that offer social connections and to be together physically.

Monash University students – including preservice teachers and occupational therapy students – are uniquely situated to learn how to bring together older members of the community and younger generations to engage in art, movement, learning, and being together. In response to findings that highlight loneliness in various corners of Australian society, the We are Well: Intergenerational art-moving-wellbeing project represents a partnership between Indigenous artists, Monash University’s Faculty of Education, the Rehabilitation, Ageing, and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre at the University, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, University of the Third Age Mornington, Rosebud-Rye Rotary, and local primary school children. It aims to create a space for intergenerational learning that challenges stereotypes and supports social connection and feelings of wellness more broadly. 

Period23 Nov 2023

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleIntergenerational learning: Challenging stereotypes and supporting social connection
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletMonash LENS
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date23/11/23
    DescriptionThe combination of intergenerational art, movement and Indigenous cultural connections has been relatively overlooked when it comes to wellbeing.

    Participating in communal art and movement improves social connections, wellbeing, and creativity while being an enjoyable activity for all.

    Our project supports the Australian government’s National Cultural Policy, Revive: A Place for Every Story, A Story for Every Place, by recognising and respecting the foundational centrality of First Nations knowledge in Australian arts, culture and education, and the importance of nurturing and celebrating Indigenous knowledge-holders as talented leaders and creators.

    There are few opportunities in schools and universities that enable generations to learn together. We separate generations for schooling from a very young age, and establish an expectation of age-appropriate education that persists in all forms of learning.

    Research shows that one in three Australians have indicated they’re lonely, especially since COVID 19. Older people (defined by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as 65-plus) often report feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

    Research suggests that many face barriers to access and participate in collaborative activities that may enhance feelings of wellbeing ,such as joining informal group exercise classes or participating in creative events.

    Similarly, studies report there’s been an increase in loneliness among youth. As a result, older and young people are less likely to engage in activities that offer social connections and to be together physically.

    Monash University students – including preservice teachers and occupational therapy students – are uniquely situated to learn how to bring together older members of the community and younger generations to engage in art, movement, learning, and being together.

    In response to findings that highlight loneliness in various corners of Australian society, the We are Well: Intergenerational art-moving-wellbeing project represents a partnership between Indigenous artists, Monash University’s Faculty of Education, the Rehabilitation, Ageing, and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre at the University, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, University of the Third Age Mornington, Rosebud-Rye Rotary, and local primary school children.

    It aims to create a space for intergenerational learning that challenges stereotypes and supports social connection and feelings of wellness more broadly. This is evident in the following reflection from a 10-year-old participant:
    URLhttps://lens.monash.edu/@education/2023/12/07/1386323/intergenerational-learning-challenging-stereotypes-and-supporting-social-connection
    PersonsGeraldine Burke, Megan Adams, Laura Alfrey, Aislinn Lalor, Keith Hill, Priscilla Pettengell

Keywords

  • intergenerational learning
  • Indigenous artists
  • Indigenous cultural connections
  • well-being
  • community partnerships
  • art-reach
  • Wayapa Wuurk
  • McClelland Sculpture Park