EVALUATING AGED STUDIES, 1986-1990

The perceptions of students enrolled in Aged Studies at Edith Cowan Un iversity, Perth, Australia, are presented. Data were gathered from sec ond-year student cohorts in 1986, 1988, and 1990 to evaluate the attra ctiveness, appropriateness, and effectiveness of the course from the c onsumers' point of view. Educational turmoil in Australia, along with organizational transitions at the university, mark the end of an era i n gerontological studies. In light of this turbulence in tertiary educ ation, I examine the appeal and promotion of Aged Studies and the anti cipations and outcomes of the course for its students and delineate th e difficulties encountered and suggestions generated for course improv ement. On the basis of these educational reminiscences, I then specula te about the possible futures for this course of gerontology study.