College Psychology Class Converses with Mayflower Residents

Stan Greenwald (left) and Beryl Clotfelter talk with two of the students.
Stan Greenwald (left) and Beryl Clotfelter talk with two of the students.

Professor Ann Ellis, PhD brought 13 Grinnell College students back to The Mayflower Community on Monday, December 9th to again participate in small group discussions with Mayflower residents. They previously worked with residents last October.

As an assignment for Professor Ellis’ Adult Development class, the students gathered information about social and family changes in the lives of the residents. Specifically, residents were asked how events in their lives—marriage and partnerships, family, friendships, parenthood, social events, and life challenges—have influenced the course of their adult lives.

Professor Ellis, a Grinnell College faculty member since 1994, teaches classes on psychology and child development in addition to supervising the operation of the Grinnell College Preschool Laboratory.

The event resulted in engrossing conversations…and the gist for papers the students will be writing. One student shared that she will be exploring how adults adapt and adjust as they age. Professor Ellis noted later that on the return bus trip to the College, the students talked enthusiastically about the information they gleaned.

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