[The evaluation of courses in boarding schools for the preparation of older employees for retirement. An evaluation study].

Abstract

In this study we have asked the opinion of ex-students, aspirant-students and non-students and their partners, about the pre-retirement-courses as given at boarding-schools, for five successive days. At the same time we have tried to find hints for possible effects of those courses. Some findings of these study in regard to these courses are discussed: how did one hear about it, what made people decide to go or not, what did one expect from it, what did one learn, how does one think about the educational activities. A little more than half of the ex-students who have been interviewed, gave a positive evaluation of the course. By far the most, the most important learning experience they mentioned was the meeting of perfect strangers from different social settings. We did not find any indications for possible effects on the areas of life that came up for discussion during the course. Several recommendations are done with regard to the plan and content of the course. We plead for a preparation for retirement, which is adjusted to the individual. Educational activities might play a part, but this does not apply to everyone.