There are many opportunities for u3a members to engage in various types of learning activity. This page provides a brief introduction to the opportunities and sources of support for learning. See the bottom of this page for ongoing Shared Learning Projects.
1. Events: one-off learning opportunities can include talks, study days, workshops, summer schools, meetings, conferences, visits, exhibitions, performances and many more. For information about events available to all members of 'London Region of U3As', see the EVENTS page of our website.
2. Enquiry-Lead Learning:
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” Benjamin Franklin
“Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach” Peter Laslett (a founder of u3a in the UK)
The u3a ethos encourages active participation in shared and enquiry-led learning. The following are three ways to get involved:
2.1 Shared Learning Projects(SLPs):
SLPs are the ‘flagship’ of u3a enquiry-led learning and a great opportunity for members of several u3as to get involved in shared research projects with external organisations for the benefit of the wider community. See the currnet ongoing SLPs at the bottom of this page.
2.2 Enquiry-led Learning Through Interest Groups
Members of many interest groups undertake research and share their findings, mostly within their group, but sometimes more widely and may result in publication. A lot of groups that you might not suspect of undertaking research are producing some interesting results.
2.3 Collaboration With Universities, Research Institutes, etc.
u3as across the UK are increasingly working with their local universities, research institutes, and similar organisations to develop mutually beneficial relationships. The prime area for collaboration is research.Collaboration can also take many other forms such as lectures, workshops and study days.
Forms of Learning: We are fortunate to have many excellent academic, research and other leading organisations in the London area. We are gradually making contacts but need to be more proactive about raising the profile of u3a and developing opportunities for collaborative projects. If you have any personal contacts or a working knowledge of any relevant institution in the London Region, please contact Jo Livingston or Catherine Ware via the CONTACT page.
External researchers frequently approach u3a when seeking older people as subjects of their research. This can lead to collaborative opportunities in research programmes. For further information please contact the u3a Office.
Sources of Support: there are many sources of support for the above forms of learning. Details of the main ones are provided here:
u3a Resources: the Third Age Trust’s website is a useful source of information and support for u3a learning activities.
Subject Advisers: trust volunteers with specialist knowledge who are available to give advice and support in a wide range of subjects.
Online Learning: Trust u3a now renamed Interest Groups Online: started up due to Covid, to bring u3a members together and offer online learning for a small additional fee. Now with over 60 interest groups and still growing.
Ongoing or Proposed Shared Learning Projects: there is currently one London SLP being formed with the Lewisham Local History Society. The LLHS has a collection of historic artifacts which are currently in storage. u3a members can volunteer help in this archive project. Full details are here: Lewisham Archive Details
Call for support, Research Projects: we often get requests for u3a members to support a research project. We will maintain a register of these and they can be viewed here: Research Project Listing