Learning Circles
Reviewed: January 2008
This page has been kept for reference.
It will no longer be updated by ICVET.
A learning circle is a group of around 5 -15 people who meet regularly to learn about and discuss issues of importance to them and society. Group members learn at their own pace and from their own experiences and understandings. Sessions generally last around two hours, guided by a facilitator or an ‘enabler’ - someone the group has nominated to keep discussion focused and fair. Participants usually prepare readings or research between sessions to provide them with the raw material for discussion.
A mechanism for organising and honouring the collective wisdom of a group, learning circles have been present in many indigenous cultures and have served as an effective strategy to enable social change. Used by a wide variety of groups, learning circles empower their members to make choices and take action.
The success of learning circles stems from the frequent change of roles. All participants are teachers and learners as they learn from the experience of each other.
Learning Circles may also be referred to as Quality Circles, Wisdom Circles, Listening Circles and Study Circles.
Websites
IEARN learning circles website
International education and resource network (iEARN) – a global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects.
Communitybuilders.nsw
A clearinghouse site for people involved in community action
An Overview of Learning Circles
A repository of information about learning circles with topics that include the phases of a learning circle, the learning circle project and its publication, learning circle themes and the educational benefits of a learning circle.
Learning about the past and present: Reconciliation Learning Circles
Representatives from Local Reconciliation Groups in Ipswich and the Gold Coast speak of their positive experiences with learning circles.
Publications
FOSTER M, Le Cornu, R & Peters, J 2000, Leadership for Learning, AARE Conference, Sydney.
A school reform project focused on using learning circles to explore the issues and challenges facing leaders of changing schools.
LOVETT, S 1999, Professional Development From NEMP: The Learning Journeys Of Eight New Zealand Teachers, ACER& NZCER Annual Conference, Melbourne.
Lovett trialled a quality learning circle with eight teachers from different schools. He explores how teachers work with new material, interact with and support each other as adult learners in a climate of constant change.
COLLAY, M et el 1998, Learning circles: Creating conditions for professional development, Corwin Press, A Sage Publications Company, USA.
'A fine blend of analysis and highly practical advice. Useful for anyone interested in the professional development of teachers as a collaborative learning process' - Stephen Brookfield, Professor University of St Thomas, St Paul, Minnesota.