"They gave me back my power": Strengthening older immigrants' language learning through arts-based activities. Issue 2 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balyasnikova, Natalia; Gillard, Spring
• Is Part Of: Studies in the education of adults. Volume 53:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Adult education -- community-based learning -- seniors -- immigrants -- English as an additional language; Adult education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 374.941
• DOI: 10.1080/02660830.2021.1911109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-0830

Abstract

Abstract: Through the case of Jacqui, this article describes a community-based project called Seniors Thrive, which was intended to help immigrant seniors learn English, build social connections, and strengthen their leadership in order to support their health and well-being. The programming merged language learning and leadership opportunities through arts-based programming. Multiple classes offered through Seniors Thrive brought together individuals from all walks of life to learn together and from each other. As a result, many learners, including Jacqui, demonstrated heightened confidence in their English speaking abilities and increased their social connections. The arts-based program enabled the voices of older learners to be heard beyond their closed communities. We pose that arts-based activities have the potential to transform language learning in later life, if arts-based programs follow a flexible and community-driven design.