Institutionalization of gerontological curricular change in schools of social work.

This study addresses factors associated with sustainability and institutionalization of change in the 67 Geriatric Enrichment in Social Work Education (GeroRich) projects, and the ways innovations introduced became institutionalized at the respective colleges and universities. An unobtrusive qualitative-descriptive research design was used to analyze the content of the GeroRich projects' annual reports over the initiative's 3-year period. Diffusion of innovation and institutional theories provided the framework for the finding that mimetic and normative processes, rather than coercive ones, had more direct impact on institutionalization of the curriculum innovations.

Taking the class to the community with service-learning: gerontological macro social work practice.

In an effort to infuse gerontological content throughout a BSW curriculum, the College of Mount St. Joseph developed community partnerships with agencies that serve older adults. These partnerships led to specific "out-of-class" assignments in a macro social work practice class using a service-learning approach.

Infusing gerontology throughout the BSW curriculum.

How can social work educators ensure that all of their BSW students have the savvy and "know-how" to deal with the needs of our growing aging population? The development of broad-based, innovative gerontological learning opportunities in a BSW program in a small liberal arts and sciences college is presented in this article. Strategies for actively involving community representatives in curriculum changes and participatory learning experiences with students are shared. Ways to incorporate various disciplines in the BSW education are explored in addition to developing intergenerational projects, direct involvement of older persons in the educational process, and ways to unite field practice with theory.