Intergenerational Learning (between Generation X & Y) in Learning Families: A Narrative Inquiry

The purpose of this study is to examine intergenerational learning behaviour within ten Hong Kong families between Generation X parents and their Generation Y children. It tries to investigate intergenerational knowledge exchange, identify the characteristics of learning behaviour and culture in their ‘learning families’.A narrative inquiry approach is adopted asking participants to recall and tell stories describing their personal intergenerational learning experiences. Results indicate that 80% of the participants thought their family is a ‘learning family’, and intergenerational family learning is happy experience and can be bi-directional. A positive family learning culture facilitates intergenerational learning especially in the Generation Y à X direction. Learning methodology differs between the two generations due to societal changes and differences in their upbringing. A conceptual framework of intergenerational family learning in relation to lifelong learning is developed. The government and public should re-define teaching and learning practise and promote intergenerational learning even in schools.