Faculties of education of traditional universities and universities of the third age: a partnership model

This article examines the partnership model proposed between "third age"/senior citizen universities and universities' faculties of education with the aim of offering improved services to all involved. The pursuit of university level studies represents advantages specifically within the frame of faculties of education as linked with those developed for senior citizens. The authors present a model of partnership between these two, being inspired by a pedagogical approach implemented in a number of socio-educational domains. This model delineates the roles of teachers, trainers, supervisors, and students whose objective is specifically to create conditions for co-operation between these instances in order to bring these students together and to insure an efficient operation. This article aims therefore to contribute to clarify the question of the professional identity of future teachers working with seniors, specifically by showing how to develop theoretical and practical training that is both integrated and coherent.