East European U3As facing the problem of seniors’ needs

Abstract

The development of Universities of the Third Age in Central and Eastern Europe progressed in a specific manner, and was only partially inspi red by the changes occurring in adult education in other parts of the world. Affected by various historical determinants in this part of Europe, a specific model of the U3A was created, embracing holistic and flexible education. This article presents the results of research into the various needs of U3A students in Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. Selected needs were analysed, as well as how they manifest themselves in each of those countries. The research was conducted by interview-questionnaire on 515 U3A students during 2015-6. The research results show that the developmental needs of U3A students are different in different countries. It could also be presumed that the holistic model of the U3A works well in various cultural environments and under varied conditions. discussion, a series of tests (Statistica 13) on standardized data were conducted. The single factor ANOVA test has been conducted to diagnose whether there are any significant differences in needs between seniors fin the different countries. The correlation r-Pearson test was used to verify the strength and direction of connection between nationality and developmental needs. Logistical regression models were used to verify which of diagnosed needs were the best pre dictors of the nationality of seniors. If any significant differences have been noted they have been tested and measured with η², Cohen’s d effect size and Wilks Λ.