THE FACULTY AT SENIOR UNIVERSITY. EVALUATION OF HIS CHARACTERISTICS, FUNCTIONS AND TEACHING TASKS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. University for Seniors emerged in France in 1973, and in Spain in the 90s decade of the 20th century. In this context a new teacher profile arose. This article presents the study of the characteristics and pedagogical tasks of this professional, framed in the only Spanish program of national coverage, promoted by UNED. There are few previous studies about this. METHODS. The study is adjusted to the design of a case study –the teachers of UNED-Seniorand adopts the methodological perspective of the global CIPP, model of evaluative research. It analyzes a set of variables that enable a contextualized evaluation of the teacher’s profile as a function of characteristics (academic and professional) and pedagogical tasks, as well as assessing its strengths and weaknesses. A survey using three ad hoc questionnaires (with open-ended and closed questions) is administered to the teachers, students and coordinators in 17 UNED centers. The participation of coordinators (N=14) was obtained, and a high rate of return was obtained from students (48,5%; N=948; n=459) and teachers (65,8%; N=76; n=50). Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis is carried out. RESULTS. The teacher at Senior University that emerges from the sample has a professional profile characterized by his university training and the versatility of the context and subjects he/she teaches. He/she is a teacher who is greatly valued by the students and coordinators of the Program for his positive personal and professional attitudes, as well as for developing an active and interactive teaching style and strategies, adapted to seniors. DISCUSSION. These are unprecedented results with regards to a teacher profile, and reproduce the conclusions of existing studies.