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Global Learning Circles

Global learning circles are both international and local in character. Each learning circle consists of between five and ten participants, with a circle facilitator. Some members will live and work in the same city, meeting face-to-face once each month while others may live at a distance or overseas. Typically, face-to-face circle meetings occur once each month for up to three hours.  

Global learning circles also use e-mail or other IT resources to conduct on-line learning circles, following a  structured process. The on-line (as well as face-to-face) communication varies with the cultural expectations, learning styles and communication patterns of the participants. 

We have used a single e-mail list for one, two or three learning circles. When more than one circle is involved we have worked with a facilitator for each learning circle, as well as an overall coordinator. An e-mail list  is used for communication which will be of interest to members of all learning circles.  

History

The method for conducting on-line learning circles was developed in AROW, by applying action research principles to our work since 1996. Offshore facilitated learning circles were developed in collaboration between AROW and MaLAR (Management Action Learning and Research) in Singapore during 2000 and 2001. 

The term "Global Learning Circle" was coined by Dr. Ngum, John Wonghi of Cameroon in September 2001. Dr Ngum facilitated  one of three global learning circles during the first English language International Training Course in Action Research in Health conducted from August 2001 to January 2002. This participatory program involved collaboration between AROW, GTZ and CIFRA, with face-to-face meetings in Bamenda, Cameroon and on-line interaction facilitated from Sydney, Australia. 

In 2006 we conduct three research learning circles on two Sydney University campuses. These meet face-to-face once each month, and include off-campus participants.

This page last updated 21 March, 2006 (Ian Hughes)