Maryland Career and Technology Education Impact Report - Flipbook - Page 23
Calvert County
From Classroom to Care: Learning the Aging Process Through Real-World
Experience
To make the aging process tangible, seniors in the Academy of Health Professions CNA
program engaged in a hands-on, project-based learning experience. Guided by Dr.
Jennifer Rachic (NBCT) and PBL Coordinator Ashley Curtin, students observed human
development across the lifespan through visits to early childhood settings and longterm care facilities, including Alzheimer’s units.
With support from Dr. Michelle Bartlett of Old Dominion University, students applied
college-level case study research methods and presented evidence-based
recommendations to local healthcare and early childhood professionals. Supported by
Perkins funding, this initiative shifted learning from memorization to real-world
application4strengthening students’ technical knowledge, research skills, and
professional competencies.
Maryland Career and Technology Education 2025 Impact Report
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