Teachers @ The Learning End: Study Circle

Study circles are small learning groups of practitioners, usually 8 to 12 teachers, who meet to discuss issues of relevance to their classroom practice. They are organized around a specific topic. The groups generally meet for three to five sessions and are guided by a facilitator who has experience with the topic of study.

Participants are asked to read a reasonable amount of study material, to experiment with new ideas, to report back to the group, and to observe a fellow teacher. Above all, participants are expected to participate actively with questions and comments. Together, study circle participants can try new strategies informed by the research and constantly reflect on their learners and classrooms. The collective nature of a study circle allows for networking, resource sharing, and observing each other’s classes and methodologies.

A. The goals of a study circle.

It is important not simply to read and understand but to find something to put into practice. At the start of the discussions regarding the goals of a study circle, the facilitator can discuss the overall goals, quoting from the topic. Then, one can ask the participants for their ideas regarding the goal of a study circle.

One important goal that it is nice to let the participants come up with is: find something from the study circle to put into practice during the coming week. The study circle should not be simply a transfer of knowledge but should result in a transformation of the participants.

B. The Process.

The general process is to read a passage, and then go around the circle, giving each a chance to comment on the passage.

Generally, people should refrain from personal remarks that may harm someone. Give an opinion on what something in the passage meant.

1.     Discuss what you don't understand in the passage and why.

2.     Mention a question that the passage brings to mind.

3.     Describe the effect of the passage on you.

4.     Discuss something that happened to you that relates to the passage.

5.     Answer a question that someone previously posed.

6.     Discuss the relevance of the findings for the students with whom they work.

7.     Discuss strategies for applying the findings in their classrooms and program.

8.     Make plans for trying strategies or changing their practice.

C. Expectations from the facilitator.

The facilitator is expected to come prepared for each meeting and to provide all the materials, readings, and support needed for the study circle to be a success. He/she is expected to facilitate thoughtful, respectful, reflective discussion on the various topics and, when appropriate, to redirect participants to the research and its connections to the classroom. The facilitator acts as a resource, a sounding board, and a helpful guide during this professional learning activity.

1.     Select a suitable topic that can be understood by all. Perhaps bring copies of the material for everyone to have. It should not be too long.

2.     Be prepared; study the material beforehand, and have other relevant material ready to bring in, if necessary.

3.     Facilitator has to keep the group focused on the topic, keep it moving; when it seems to slow down, move on to another passage or topic.

4.     Have an experience concerning the topic ready to relate, if necessary.

5.     Create an atmosphere that makes participants comfortable. Use humor, eye contact.

6.     Be a polite

D. Expectations from the participant.

Prior to each session, participants should read the study material shared by the facilitator. As study circle is not a presentation by one person. At its best, it will be participation of all who are present.

1. Come prepared,

2. Participate! Speak! You get out of something what you put into it.

3. Listen fully when the material is being read! Ask it to be repeated if you didn't get it all.

4. Listen fully to what others have to say.

5. Share your experiences that relate to the topic.

6. Ask questions that arise. Have patience; wait your turn.

8. Pass, if you have nothing to say.

9. Talk from the heart, not the head, be open-minded.

10. Don't make it personal, e.g. don't attack something someone else said.

11. Avoid repetition

12. Don't put on a display of intellectual prowess.

13. Don't debate, don't judge others.

15. Remember that the goal is your personal transformation.

“The study circle is a mechanism for organizing and honoring collective wisdom of the group and trusting the process to create deeper understanding.”

-        Uma Tenneti