Students’ Role Confusion When Working With Older Adults: The Voices of Foundation Students

Abstract

A qualitative research project was carried out to investigate how first-year graduate students integrated their field work learning with their classroom leaning (N = 17). The study reveals the students’ difficulty in integrating their practical learning with theoretical classroom knowledge. Using grounded theory analysis, two types of student reactions to integrating knowledge were found: role confusion and role clarity; most fit into the role confusion group. Performing supportive social work, working with involuntary clients, and the age of the client were all linked to the students’ role confusion. Implications for teaching strategies using reflective practice are discussed, as well as possible connections between beginning students’ confusion, ageism, and lack of interest in the field of aging.