Culturally Responsive–Sustaining Educational Strategies in Undergraduate Thanatology Courses
2024

Culturally Responsive Strategies in Thanatology Education

Sample size: 56 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Decker Autumn, Weaver Raven, Bolkan Cory

Primary Institution: Pacific University, Washington State University

Hypothesis

How can cultural content and experiences be integrated into undergraduate thanatology courses?

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for improved resources and training for death educators to better integrate cultural material into their courses.

Supporting Evidence

  • Findings highlight the importance of self-care for instructors.
  • There is a need for improved resources and training for death educators.
  • Bringing lived experiences of the instructor into the classroom can build safety and belonging for students.
  • A multidisciplinary approach to thanatology is emphasized.

Takeaway

This study looked at how teachers can better include different cultures in classes about death and dying, which helps both teachers and students feel safer and more connected.

Methodology

Instructors participated in a quantitative survey and a follow-up semi-structured interview about their courses and strategies.

Participant Demographics

Instructors teaching thanatology courses across the United States.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0881

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