The learning cultures of Third Age participants: Institutional management and participants’ experience in U3A in the UK and SU in Korea

This study examines the learning culture of third age participants by comparing the management of non-vocational learning institutions for third age populations, U3A in the UK and SU in Korea, and the participants’ experiences in these institutions. It has adopted Bereday’s systematic approach and Bray’s multi-faceted approach for comparative study. Two semi-structured questionnaires were developed for the representatives of the institutions and their members. The questionnaire data were analysed qualitatively, and categories were extracted from the responses. U3A and SU’s learning cultures are compared: the mutual aid or self-help model and organization-led welfare model, the informal learning-oriented system and the formal learning- oriented system, and the buffet or cafeteria style and set-menu style. This research, which is still in progress, will help academicians and policy makers understand learning cultures as they develop various learning models that will satisfy the diverse interests of older third age learners.