Strategies of co-operative learning

“The learning circle strategy”

DEFINATION:
The learning circle strategy is an approach to collaborative learning that
involves a small group of individuals coming together to engage in a
structured and interactive learning process. In a learning circle,
participants actively contribute their knowledge, experiences, and
perspectives to explore a particular topic or subject. The strategy
emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, dialogue, and reflection, with
participants taking turns as both learners and facilitators. The goal is to
foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where everyone's
contributions are valued and learning is co-created.
METHOD OF LEARNING CIRCLE:
➢ Group Formation: Form small groups of about 4-6 participants. Aim
for diverse groups that bring together different backgrounds,
perspectives, and knowledge.

➢ Structured Framework: Create a structured framework for the

learning circle sessions. Plan activities, discussions, and learning tasks
that align with the learning objectives. These can include readings,
research tasks, case studies, problem-solving exercises, or other
interactive activities.

➢ Dialogue and Reflection: Emphasize open-ended questions and

encourage participants to engage in meaningful discussions. Foster an
environment where participants actively listen to each other, share
their perspectives, ask clarifying questions, and challenge ideas. Reflection
activities can include journaling, group reflections, or individual self-
assessments.

➢ Facilitator Support: As the facilitator or teacher, provide guidance,

resources, and feedback to the learning circles. Offer clarifications,
encourage deeper analysis, and ensure that discussions stay focused
on the learning objectives. Support participants in developing their
facilitation and leadership skills.

➢ Collaboration Opportunities: Organize opportunities for learning

circle groups to collaborate and share insights. This can involve
presentations, group discussions, peer feedback sessions, or
collaborative projects. Encourage cross-group sharing to foster a
broader learning community
➢ Assessing Learning: Use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate
learning in the learning circles. Assess both individual contributions
and the overall group dynamics. This can include individual reflections,
group presentations, quizzes, projects, or other formative and
summative assessments.

➢ Continuous Improvement: Regularly reflect on the effectiveness of

the learning circle strategy. Seek feedback from participants and make
adjustments as needed to optimize engagement, collaboration, and
learning outcomes. Continuously refine the approach based on
student feedback and learning goals.
THE IMPACT OF LEARNING CIRCLE STRATEGY:
➢ Active Engagement: Learning circles foster active engagement
among participants. By actively contributing their knowledge,
perspectives, and experiences, learners become more engaged in
the learning process. They take ownership of their learning, leading
to increased motivation and a deeper understanding of the subject
matter.

➢ Collaboration and Social Interaction: Learning circles promote

collaboration and social interaction among participants. Through
dialogue, discussions, and group activities, learners build
relationships, develop teamwork skills, and learn from each other.
The collaborative nature of learning circles encourages the sharing
of diverse viewpoints and fosters a sense of community.

➢ Deeper Understanding: Learning circles encourage participants to

explore topics in-depth. Through active discussions and reflection,
learners gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The
opportunity to hear different perspectives and engage in critical
thinking enhances their ability to analyze information and apply
knowledge in real-world contexts.

➢ Peer-to-Peer Learning: The learning circle strategy emphasizes

peer-to-peer learning. Participants learn from and with each other,
leveraging the collective expertise and experiences of the group.
This approach promotes a more interactive and dynamic learning
environment, where learners can benefit from different insights
and diverse perspectives.
➢ Enhanced Communication Skills: Engaging in discussions within
learning circles helps participants improve their communication
skills. They practice expressing their ideas clearly, actively listening
to others, and engaging in respectful dialogue. These
communication skills are valuable in academic, professional, and
personal contexts.

➢ Critical Thinking and Reflection: Learning circles stimulate critical

thinking skills. Participants are encouraged to question, analyze,
and evaluate information, as well as reflect on their own learning
process. Through dialogue and reflection, learners develop their
critical thinking abilities and become more independent and self-
directed learners.

➢ Personal Growth and Empowerment: Learning circles provide

opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. Participants
gain confidence in expressing their ideas, develop leadership and
facilitation skills, and become active participants in the learning
process. The collaborative and supportive nature of learning circles
nurtures learners’ sense of agency and empowers them to take
ownership of their education.
ADVANTAGE OF LEARNING CIRCLE STRATEGY:
The advantage of learning circle strategy is its collaborative and
inclusive nature. It fosters active participation, engagement, and
collective learning among participants. By forming a circle, individuals
can exchange knowledge, share perspectives, and collectively solve
problems. This approach encourages open dialogue, encourages
diverse viewpoints, and promotes critical thinking. Learning circles
also provide a supportive and safe environment for participants to
learn from each other, build relationships, and develop a sense of
community. Overall, the learning circle strategy enhances the learning
experience through collaboration and collective intelligence.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the learning circle strategy offers several advantages for
learners. It promotes collaboration, active participation, and collective
learning. By forming a circle, individuals can exchange knowledge,
share perspectives, and collectively solve problems. This approach
fosters open dialogue, encourages diverse viewpoints, and promotes
critical thinking. Learning circles also create a supportive and safe
environment for participants to learn from each other, build
relationships, and develop a sense of community. Overall, the learning
circle strategy enhances the learning experience by leveraging the
power of collaboration and collective intelligence.