Investigation of learning and intergenerational learning situations of Baby Boomers generation

In this study, it is aimed to examine the learning and intergenerational learning situations of the Baby Boomers who experience the learning and intergenerational learning process. Learning is a lifelong process that is transferred between generations and continues through formal and informal ways. Being prepared for the learning needs of older individuals is very important for an ageing country like Turkey. The behaviours of people who are not aware of this issue may be unconscious in the learning process of older individuals. The learning process, which is of great importance, plays a critical role in improving the quality of life of older individuals. In the present study, it is aimed to fill an important gap in the national literature by analysing the learning and intergenerational learning experiences of Baby Boomers in Turkey. In this study, the learning and intergenerational learning situations of the Baby Boomers generation were examined using phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research methods. Since the research was conducted with people with certain characteristics, criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used to select the study group. The participants were selected among the individuals who are members of the Baby Boomers generation and who experience learning and intergenerational learning processes. Sixteen people (8 women and 8 men) from Safranbolu district of Karabük participated in the study. Demographic information form and semi-structured interview form were used in the data collection process. While preparing the forms, different expert opinions were consulted and the final version was created by making the necessary arrangements. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and categorised into certain categories and codes. Then, the stage of data interpretation was started. Then, content analysis method was used in data analysis. When the findings of the research are reviewed, it is seen that the old learning resources such as books, newspapers and encyclopaedias, which were used more for the Baby Boomers generation, have been replaced by new learning resources such as the internet and social media. Although the number of participants who encountered any obstacle in the learning process was low, it was understood that various health problems, materialism, teacher attitude and learning environment could be an obstacle to learning. For the Baby Boomers generation, it is seen that the gender of the person with whom information is exchanged has no effect on learning. It is understood that the effect of the attitude and behaviour of the person with whom information is exchanged on the learning process is very important for the Baby Boomers generation. It is seen that there is a difference between the learning situations of the Baby Boomers generation and the younger generations. It is seen that these differences are directly proportional to factors such as the possibilities of the period, health problems and educational status. Intergenerational learning environments are seen as home, work, school and social environments. The preferred environments for the Baby Boomers generation vary from person to person. The person chooses the environment where he/she feels more motivated to learn. While information exchange takes place from generation to generation, there may be generations that people prefer. For the Baby Boomers generation, the generation of the person with whom information is exchanged is not important. It is seen that what is important is the quality of the information needed. When we look at the aspects that the Baby Boomers generation liked and criticised in the younger generations, educational and personal likes and criticisms came to the fore. In addition, it is seen that Baby Boomers generally prefer both learning and teaching without separating them from each other. Based on the results of the study, it can be suggested that the learning and intergenerational learning activities of the Baby Boomers generation continue to be different from each other, and in order to normalise these differences, it is recommended to address the elderly, aging and aging issues at all educational levels from primary education to university, to conduct studies with individuals who do not experience learning and intergenerational learning processes, and to make various training plans to strengthen the gerontological and geragogical perspectives of those who will take part in elderly education.