Educational culture develops within a framework of learning. This is created through agreed-upon rules between teacher, learner and content. In this workshop, participants will examine both the framework and the experiences that inform the rules through a Learning Circle—a method of cooperative, oral reflection. Learning Circles are a way of sharing history, knowledge and decision making. The Learning Circle process changes the emphasis from teaching and coaching to encouraging flexible learning and finding answers from within one’s own lived experience. A Learning Circle is central to the notion of scholarly practice as it is based on inquiry and reflection. Through the experiential nature of a Learning Circle, there is an opportunity to allow patterns, themes and deep questions to surface about the practice of teaching and learning. It is within this space that innovation and creativity lies. Participants will be invited to consider the basis of their opinions and discover insights about their own practice. Christina and Dian have used Learning Circles extensively as a means of inquiry and exploration. The workshop will be limited to 25 participants.
Of Interest to: Online and distance education, Post-secondary education, K-12 educators, Instructional designers, Researchers, Educational technologists, Administrators
