THE GROUP MEETING

Recommended steps at your first meeting as Group Leader:

• Introduce yourself and the purpose of the group as you see it.
• Ask about the skills and experience within the group.
• Agree the tasks that need doing to run the group and who is willing to support these – for example, who is willing to help with developing the programme, or collect subscriptions.
• Agree, if relevant, the level that the group will be aimed at – beginners, improvers, advanced.
• Agree how the group will work – discussion, instruction, presentation etc.
• Agree when and where the group will meet.
• Identify any accessibility needs that group members may have and consider any health and safety issues
• Consider collecting members’ emergency contact (ICE) telephone numbers.
• Get to know your venue – first aiders, defibrillators, fire exits.
• Agree the costs for running the group and what members will pay.
• Maintain a record of who attended each meeting. Sometimes it is important to know this, rather than rely on memory. 
• Keep simple records of payments received from members.
• Ensure that attendance and payment records are kept, even if you can’t attend a meeting.
• Discuss whether group members will need to communicate with each other, bearing in mind our privacy notice and data protection policy, and always seek permission and agreement.
• Agree some ground rules e.g.
  • Be punctual.  
  • Listen to each other.
  • Allow others to speak.
  • Let someone know if you are unable to come.
  • Agree to disagree amicably and be respectful to other group members.
  • Every contribution matters.
  • Have patience with and encourage those who are slower to learn.

After your first meeting it is a good idea to feedback to your Group’s Supporter to finalise arrangements. Experienced group leaders may also contact the Group Support Team if they would like a “second opinion” on the dynamics of their group.

Participative learning and learning styles

The value of the u3a style of learning is that everyone can contribute and by doing so will gain a feeling of self-worth and integration. We all learn in different ways.  Variation in content, method and style can make the learning experience more vibrant and appealing. Many of us will use a combination of the following:

• Visual: looking at pictures, diagrams and images
• Verbal: listening to words or reading them
• Auditory: listening to sounds, rhythm or music
• Physical: using your hands, body and senses
• Logical: using sequences, data and statistics
• Social: sharing experiences with others
• Study or research on your own.

Some members may have visual, hearing, or other impairments that require special consideration.

These are some suggestions of how to make your group engaging and exciting by mixing the methods and opportunities for learning:

• A visiting speaker: A one-off visiting paid speaker, non-paid tutor or someone from another interest group or u3a
• Group member presentations: A short presentation by a member of the group or a member leading the meeting on a specific topic
• Discussion groups: Some activities will lead to discussion e.g. ‘What the papers say’, ‘Which way does water go down the plug hole?’.  Time needs to be allowed for this.
• Project based: A project chosen by the members. Each person (or pair) is allocated an area of research which they bring to the group
• Practical work: This might lean towards specific subjects such as science, craft, photography, creative writing, storytelling.
• Drama: Create a short sketch and provide some entertainment for your group.
• Themes: Have an event or presentation linked to a specific topic.
• Internet resources: YouTube, Google or AI searches
• Going to exhibitions