10 Steps to Creating Successful Learning Circles for Alternative Education

Learning Circles: A Top 10 Approach to Alternative Schooling and Education

Alternative schooling and education have become an increasingly popular choice for parents who want their children to receive a unique learning experience. One of the most innovative approaches to alternative schooling is Learning Circles.

Learning Circles are small groups of people who come together regularly over a set period, usually six weeks, to learn about a particular topic or subject. These groups are self-directed and rely on peer-to-peer learning rather than traditional teacher-student relationships. Here’s our top 10 approach to Learning Circles:

1. Choose Your Topic

The first step in forming your Learning Circle is choosing your topic. The possibilities are endless; you could choose anything from history or science, philosophy or literature, art or music- whatever interests you! It’s important that everyone in the group shares a common interest in the chosen topic as this will ensure engagement throughout the process.

2. Identify Your Group

Once you’ve decided on your topic, it’s time to identify potential members for your group. Ideally, these should be individuals with shared interests and similar levels of knowledge about the subject matter.

3. Set Meeting Times

After identifying members for your group, decide when and where meetings will take place. It’s essential that all members agree on times that work best for them as attendance is crucial for success.

4. Establish Goals

Before beginning any project or endeavor, setting goals can help measure progress towards completion while also providing direction throughout the process.

5. Create Guidelines & Expectations

It’s important to establish guidelines and expectations upfront so everyone knows what is expected of them during each meeting session; this includes things like punctuality, participation levels, speaking time limits if necessary.

6.Identify Resources

Each member should contribute resources such as books/articles/videos etc., which may enrich conversations during discussion sessions.

7.Assign Roles

Assign roles such as facilitator/mediator, note taker, timekeeper, and evaluator to members. This ensures that everyone has a role in the process and is responsible for contributing to the success of the group.

8.Evaluate Progress

Periodic evaluations allow for reflection on what’s been learned so far while also providing an opportunity to adjust goals or strategies if necessary.

9. Encourage Open Conversations

Learning Circles are all about creating an open dialogue between participants; encourage free-flowing conversations that allow everyone to contribute their ideas and opinions without fear of judgment.

10. Celebrate Success

Finally, it’s essential to celebrate successes along the way! Whether it’s completing a book series or achieving personal learning goals- take time as a group to acknowledge accomplishments throughout the learning circle journey.

In conclusion, Learning Circles provide participants with a unique alternative approach to education by promoting peer-to-peer learning methods. These circles promote self-directed learning while also providing opportunities for growth through collaboration and discussion with others who share similar interests. By following our top 10 approach guide above, anyone can start their own Learning Circle today!