JUFE School of Sociology and Humanities hosted Professor Fei Sun from Michigan State University (MSU) for a four-day intensive course titled Gerontological Social Work from June 22 to June 25, 2026, designed for undergraduate students majoring in Social Work (Class of 2024). Spanning 16 instructional hours, the program aimed to deepen students’ understanding of global aging trends, cognitive disorders among older adults, and evidence-based practices in gerontological social work, thereby enhancing their international competence and practical skills.

As a renowned scholar in gerontological social work and healthy aging research, Professor Sun structured the curriculum to systematically bridge theoretical foundations with real-world applications. Over the four days, the course progressed logically from foundational competencies and theoretical frameworks to comprehensive geriatric assessment, cognitive evaluation, and multimodal intervention strategies, creating a cohesive learning pathway from conceptual understanding to practical implementation.

The course commenced with an interactive session where Professor Sun introduced core professional competencies in gerontological social work, prompting students to critically examine pervasive societal issues such as ageism. This foundational discussion helped students deconstruct stereotypes and reframe their professional values. Subsequently, Professor Sun delivered a rigorous overview of key theoretical frameworks in gerontological practice. He elaborated on Life Review Theory, demonstrating how structured reminiscence can assist older adults in integrating life experiences; introduced Continuity Theory, analyzing how individuals adapt to aging by preserving behavioral, psychological, and social continuity; and applied Role Theory to explore the challenges of role loss and reconfiguration faced by older adults during major life transitions, such as retirement or bereavement. These theories provided students with a robust analytical lens to understand the psychosocial dynamics of aging.

In the assessment and intervention segment, the classroom shifted to a practice-oriented environment. Professor Sun detailed the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Process and conducted a hands-on demonstration of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a globally recognized standardized tool. He meticulously guided students through its administration and interpretation, emphasizing its utility in evaluating cognitive function and mental health in older adults. To translate abstract concepts into actionable skills, an immersive role-playing exercise was integrated into the curriculum. Students alternated between the roles of social worker and older adult with cognitive impairment, simulating real-life interactions. This experiential approach not only rendered technical assessment criteria more tangible but also fostered profound empathy, enabling students to internalize the emotional realities of their future clients and master both conventional and innovative intervention techniques.

Throughout the course, emphasis was placed on integrating international best practices with localized policy considerations and ethical frameworks. Active discussions on topics such as cultural adaptation of interventions and ethical dilemmas in gerontological practice created a dynamic, collaborative learning atmosphere. Students praised the course for its balance of academic rigor and practical relevance, particularly highlighting the value of MoCA training and role-playing simulations in strengthening their applied understanding of gerontological social work.

The School of Sociology and Humanities views this collaboration as a strategic step toward enriching its academic offerings. By continuing to invite globally recognized experts, the institution aims to cultivate a new generation of social work professionals equipped with both international perspectives and context-sensitive practice skills, ultimately advancing the quality of gerontological services in China.

（Photos/Text: Hong Lumin, Zheng Pianpian, Sun Xiaohan Review: Jiang Guohe）

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