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Learning Circle Agenda

The agenda of a learning set or learning circle is quite different from a business meeting, a tutorial class or a lecture. The meeting usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. Learning circle meetings are not held each week. Once each month is usual, though other arrangements are possible. While each learning circle may vary their own agenda, the standard suggested agenda has three phases. The meeting starts off with rounds, then covers agenda items and closes with shared interaction. A typical agenda is:

Sharing: Members share refreshments or a meal, with informal discussion and conversation, either before the meeting, afterwards, or during the meetng.

What's on top? (Round Table) Each person in turn spends a minute or two saying what is on the top of his or her mind. The others simply listen. It is important not to comment or begin a conversation (McGill & Beaty 1995 p. 49).

Agenda Confirmation: A standard agenda or draft agenda is circulated before the meeting starts. The facilitator confirms that participants agree on the agenda. The timekeeper allocates time for each item. The learning circle may decide to allocate time in future meetings to special activities (such as guest speakers, resource sessions etc).

4QR Round Table: This is the heart of the learning circle. Each participant has fifteen minutes. Each has prepared answers to four questions for reflection (4QR) before the meeting, and takes less then five minutes to read their own 4QR:
Plan: What did I plan to do? What was supposed to happen? (from previous meeting)
1. Act: What did I actually do?
2. Observe: What else happened? What did I observe?
3. Reflect: What specific help can I ask for? What can I/we learn from this experience?
4. Plan: What do I plan to do before the next meeting?

This is followed by 10 minutes in which all members of the circle give support, information, suggestions or other help to the presenter. The presenter may make notes. Time allocated may be varied by the facilitator.

Special Activity: The facilitator allocates times for a special item or activity which was decided on in previous meetings. The special items maybe individual member’s requests for help to solve a learning problem, a guest speaker, resources session or workshop.

Reflection: Each member of the set reviews what was learned during the meeting.

The learning set meeting is likely to last for two to three hours, and so should not be held too frequently (usually once each month. The sharing is an important part of the process. If members regularly excuse themselves from this part of the meeting, it may be wise to schedule it during the meeting, rather than at the end.

Learning Circle Agenda

Further reading