P2PU learning circles/Learning circle page for OERu course guide

This OERu course has been designed to take advantage in the latest blended learning practices in open education. Through Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU)'s learning circle approach, learners like you are now able to create or find a peer-led study group in your local community, anywhere in the world, for free.

Learning circles

Learning circles are lightly-facilitated study groups for people who want to take free online courses together at a library, community centre, college or public meeting space. Meeting once a week for approximately 4 weeks, participants work together through the OERu micro course. The person who facilitates is not expected to be a content expert - their role is to be proficient in online courseware and skilled in facilitating peer learning groups. Far more than just delivering content, learning circles provide a space for participants to meaningfully engage with online educational resources and with their peers.

Create a learning circle

Learning circles offer you the opportunity to work through this course with your local community. It’s easy to set up a learning circle with tools that let you generate a website and interface with learners, as well as a facilitator handbook that includes 40 pages of great tips and tricks to help you advertise, prepare for, and run your Learning Circle. There is also an open discussion forum for global educators to share discuss learning circles facilitation and community-based pedagogy.

For example, you might want to create a learning circle for your immediate team or professional network. Alternatively, you might want to create a learning circle in your local library and promote it widely to the public and networks who might be interested in the topic.

1. Start by heading to the learning circle website
2. Click “Create your own”
3. Add your contact information
4. Select the course title from the list of courses (or add the OERu course if you don't see it in the dropdown)
5. Complete your Learning Circle details
6. Check your email for more helpful tips on getting started.

Join an active learning circle

You can also join a Learning Circle near you by seeing if there are others are hosting a circle already. Take a look through learning circles page♙ and search for learning circles happening near you.

If you have any other questions about learning circles, please contact thepeople@p2pu.org