col·lab o·ra tive adj To work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort.
learn·ing n. The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill
cir·cle n. A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:
So….. a collaborative learning circle is a small group of people working together to gain knowledge and skills.
In fact, a true learning circle is about not just working together but leveraging each others knowledge to truly accelerate and enhance the development of skills and knowledge for each member of the group. The key to success is the diversity of the group and the distributed leadership. Circle members truly care about the development of their peers. This is a collaborative leadership model of learning built for the future.
Alternatively called wisdom circles (from early native councils of elders), or study circles (from academia); Learning Circles can be face to face however, they are perfectly suited to our digital, online and virtual world. The heart of this style of learning is about collective wisdom and trusting the process to deliver greater understanding. It creates distributed leadership and collective responsibility.
For more information about using Learning Circles to enhance your development contact evelyn.moolenburgh@learningventures.com.au or phone Evelyn on 61 2 9571 8486