Intergenerational

Together Old and Young: An Intergenerational Approach

Module 1: Foundations of Intergenerational Learning

This course introduces the foundations of intergenerational learning and practice. It explores what intergenerational learning is, why it matters today, and how meaningful contact between generations benefits children, older adults, and communities.

Please note: The course modules in this programme must be taken in sequence. This is the first of four modules, and is a prerequisite before taking the subsequent modules.

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  • Duration

    4 - 6 hours

  • Language(s)

    English

  • Features

    Videos, readings, activities

  • Format

    Self-Paced

  • Certification

    Knowledge Certificate

  • Modules

    4 Modules

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What this offering explores 

This course focuses on the core concepts underpinning intergenerational learning. It explores definitions of intergenerational learning and practice, different types of intergenerational learning (formal, non-formal, and informal), and the wide range of contexts in which it can take place.

The course also introduces key ideas about learning across the life course, including lifelong learning, active pedagogy, and the importance of relationships. It encourages reflection on children and older adults as both learners and teachers and highlights the value of everyday life as a shared learning curriculum.

Through this course you will: 

  • Explore what intergenerational learning is and how it differs from other forms of learning

  • Recognise the benefits of intergenerational contact for children, older adults, and communities

  • Identify contexts and opportunities where intergenerational learning can take place

This offering is designed for:

  • Educators
  • Social care professionals
  • Community Leaders
No prior experience required. The course offers flexibility and a Certificate of Knowledge. 

Meet the instructors 
and learn more about the course:

Course contents

Program Bundle

Bundle and save!

This module is part of the Together Old and Young programme, which includes four modules.

You can either purchase each module separately. Or save, by enrolling in the programme from the start!

Either way, we'll be happy to have you join this unique learning journey.
Still not sure? Try out the first unit of Module One for Free!
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Facilitators Bios

Meet your instructors
Dr. Margaret Kernan,
Head of Programmes and Learning of International Child Development initiatives - ICDI

Dr. Margaret Kernan is a founding member and international coordinator of the ‘Together Old and Young’ (TOY) consortium. She has spent the last 40 years working internationally in the fields of education and development. As ICDI’s Head of Programmes and Learning, Margaret leads multi-partner research, training and development projects focusing on intergenerational learning, psychosocial well-being of children, play and learning, children’s rights, diversity and inclusion.

Giulia Cortellesi
Co-Director of International Child Development initiatives - ICDI

Giulia Cortellesi is a founding member of the ‘Together Old and Young’ (TOY) consortium. She is also the international coordinator of the TOY for Inclusion programme, which builds on intergenerational learning to promote the creation of equitable and inclusive non-formal ECEC spaces for all children in 9 European countries. In her 20 years of experience, Giulia has been focusing on research, projects and policy development in the areas of early childhood education and care (ECEC), diversity and inclusion in education, community-based solutions, child and youth participation, women’s rights and intergenerational learning.

Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick

Emeritus Research Fellow, School of Languages, Law & Social Sciences, Technological University Dublin 

Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick is a founding member of the ‘Together Old and Young’ (TOY) consortium (2012-18), which promotes intergenerational learning between young children and older people. As part of the TOY project, she participated in the development of the online TOY course on intergenerational learning. Intergenerational learning as a pedagogical strategy in Irish ECEC services was the focus of Anne’s doctoral studies. She previously worked as a lecturer in early childhood education at the Technological University Dublin and also worked in a variety of ECEC services in both the community and disability sectors. Anne continues to actively support ECEC educators in Ireland in their intergenerational learning (IGL) work and has recently authored two peer viewed journal articles about IGL based on her PhD research.

Dr. Carmel Gallagher

Emeritus Research Fellow, School of Languages, Law & Social Sciences, Technological University Dublin

Dr. Carmel Gallagher is Emeritus Research Fellow, School of Social Sciences, Law and Education, Technological University Dublin. Carmel retired as Senior Lecturer in in TU Dublin in August 2020 where she coordinated the MA in Child, Family and Community Studies. She has continued her research activities as Emeritus Research Fellow.

Carmel is a founding member of the ‘Together Old and Young’ (TOY) consortium (2012-18), which promotes intergenerational learning between young children and older people.

Carmel has a particular research interest in ageing and older people in Irish society. Her PhD was a study of the participation of older people in their communities published as The Community Life of Older People in Ireland in 2008. She has worked collaboratively with Dr Anne Fitzpatrick combining their interests in early years and older people’s services to develop intergenerational practice. They have published together in intergenerational learning and practice.

Vicki Titterington

Director of Linking Generations Northern Ireland


LGNI is part of the UK Charity the Beth Johnson Foundation and they create opportunities to bring generations together in lots of different places for lots of different reasons.

Vicki has worked in the Community Sector in Northern Ireland for almost 20 years and since 2008 has been a key figure in the development of intergenerational work as the Director of Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI). She graduated with a BA Hons in Sociology and Social Policy from Queens University Belfast, completed an Intergenerational Specialist Certificate Pittsburgh University USA, an Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise at University of Ulster and most recently a Level 4 Certificate is Professional Digital Marketing.

Vicki has a high level of experience in the development of intergenerational projects and practice at both a community and strategic level and both locally and internationally. As a coauthor in a range of intergenerational publications and resources and as a member of the Executive Team for Global Intergenerational Week Vicki has developed a strong reputation for her work, knowledge and expertise in the intergenerational field.


Lynne Bennett
Regional Development worker with Linking Generations Northern Ireland

Lynne Bennett is a retired Regional Development Worker with Linking Generations Northern Ireland who now supports as a Trustee.

She has a Degree in Early Childhood Studies and has over 30 years practical experience of working with people aged from 3 months to 103 years! This has been in a wide variety of early years settings including working in and managing a playgroup and a day nursery.

Working with LGNI focussed on creating and supporting ongoing connections between a variety of older and younger persons' settings in communities ie nurseries, schools, playgroups and care homes and supported living centres.


Meet our Knowledge Partners

International Child Development Initiatives - ICDI is the international coordinator of the TOY Project. ICDI promotes the psychosocial well-being of children growing up in difficult circumstances by working in the fields of early childhood education and development and child protection and well-being. As a knowledge organisation, ICDI works at the intersection between research, policy and practice, developing meaningful, effective solutions so that all children can grow up in safe, loving and nurturing environments and lead happy lives.
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Acknowledgements
The Together Old and Young program was originally published in 2018 as part of an EU-funded project developed across seven European countries. 

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