Social Work Knowledge of Facts on Aging: Influence of Field and Classroom Education

Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ) was used to measure aging knowledge outcomes of 323 practicum students engaged in aging-focused practica at pre- and posttest across 11 universities. Significant improvement in knowledge scores (p = 0.0001) was found for graduates of the enhanced field education programs. Taking aging course work was a significant (p = 0.0001) influence on knowledge outcomes. Combined with coursework, the practicum students experienced increased knowledge of aging. When experiential and didactic learning is combined, increased knowledge about facts of aging occurs. (Contains 5 tables.)