Using Action Research to Design a Nonformal Learning Environment for the Elderly: Focus on Community–University Collaboration

Abstract

This paper describes an action research study focusing on a community salon in the Mogusa apartment complex in Hino City, Tokyo. The purpose was to identify the learning needs of the elderly residing in Mogusa and design a nonformal learning environment. The six-year study consisted of two phases: (1) a phase in which learning needs were explored through dialogues, and (2) a phase in which workshops were planned separately for the various learning needs. The results indicated that (1) a non-formal learning environment design was achieved at the salon, (2) the salon stakeholders gained the ability to independently discover needs and design workshops, and (3) the salon stakeholders also began to move out the community and visit a university.