Estilos de aprendizaje predominantes en adultos mayores: una primera aproximación

Abstract

The research seeks to investigate the subject of the predominant learning styles in a group of older adults of a Chilean university. The sample is made up by a first group of 17 active academic older adults and a second of 17 non-academic retired adults who attend a school for the elderly, the age range of both groups is 60 to 70. The goal is to check if there are significant differences in their learning styles. The Honey-Alonso Learning Styles questionnaire (CHAEA, 1994) is used to collect the data and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for analysis purposes. The results indicate that there are no differences in the sample with respect to the predominant learning styles. The theoretical and pragmatic styles are the predominant styles in this study, characterizing older adults as realistic, structured, and methodical people. These results are relevant when selecting suitable teaching strategies and teaching methods for working with older people.