Ágora Universitaria Journal: Innovative experience in teaching journalistic writing for people over 60

Abstract

The educational system opened its doors to new students' profiles, apart from those coming from high school, since there is an increase in students coming from vocational training, over 25, 40 and 55, foreigners, with different backgrounds and so forth. This heterogeneity is undoubtedly a driving force for updating more realistic teaching methodologies to connect with the social diversity, which requires different learning methods. Miguel Hernández University has been developing the Senior Experience Classrooms for 20 years. Journalistic writing is offered as a supplementary course where, specifically, the editing of the cultural journal Ágora Universitaria takes place. By employing a case study, this article analyses the teaching of journalistic writing content adapted for students over 60 years of age in non-formal education. Features in relation to competencies, objectives and content achieved are evaluated by means of the interview method and participant observation. The conclusions highlight an increased interest in the profession, a breakdown of associated stereotypes and prejudices, a better knowledge of routines, a distinction of genres, management and an access to sources associated with these processes.