New Ways To Meet New Needs: Factors That Influence the Success of a Lifelong Learning Center.

A questionnaire responded to by 424 students was intended to find out the ways in which the needs and experiences of 19,000 lifelong learners enrolled in the Lifelong Learning Society (LLS) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) meshed with the goals of the LLS. Of those students, 44 participated in a follow-up interview. These were the goals of the LLS: (1) develop new learning programs to meet identified needs of learners; (2) assist all society members to become continuous learners; and, (3) maintain high standards of educational practice. Questionnaire results indicated the following: (1) females outnumbered males two to one; (2) 58% were over age 70; (3) over 66% held bachelor's degrees; and (4) about 30% had been taking LLS courses for more than 3 years. Class interests focused on the social sciences (55%) and the arts (53%). The majority (88%) indicated they participated in the LLS because they loved learning. Interview responses generated these three themes that described LLS participation: (1) personal enrichment (expanding or gaining knowledge, intellectual stimulation); (2) social aspects of learning (forming a community of learners, relating to instructors); and, (3) institutional/logistical aspects (building facilities, administrative processes, course variety and scheduling). Recommendations for replication of FAU's program include the following: (1) a horizontal organization; (2) hiring personable instructors; and (3) expansion of the study to include administration. (Contains 5 tables and 24 references.) (AJ)