What is a Study Circle?
Study circles are small learning groups of practitioners, usually 8 to 12 teachers, who meet to discuss topics of relevance to their classroom practice. CALPRO study circles are organized around a central topic, such as learner persistence or research-based reading instruction. The groups are site-based and typically meet for three to five sessions facilitated by a CALPRO-trained member of the group. Prior to each session, participants read a selection of relevant research on the study circle topic.
During meetings, group members engage in interactive exercises and discuss how the research can inform their classroom practice. The goal of the study circle is for participants to translate research into practice in meaningful individual ways with the support of the group. The study circle is a success if each participant leaves with a plan to use the research in daily practice.
Study Circle Participants at Edward Shands Adult School in Oakland
How CALPRO Supports Study Circles
CALPRO invites adult schools to refer practitioners to attend study circle facilitator training on specific topics. Starting 2010, CALPRO is offering this training for new Study Circle facilitators entirely online. Afterwards, the trained facilitator is prepared to lead a study circle of other educators at their agency. Facilitators continue to receive support from CALPRO by participating in an electronic discussion list.
In 2010, CALPRO is offering this training for new Study Circle facilitators entirely online. The online training will take place in March 2010, and applications are due Feb. 5, 2010. For details, click on the Invitation Letter and Application link below.
Invitation Letter and Application, Study Circle Facilitation Training.
The materials used for CALPRO study circles are research-based guides developed by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) and are available online.
Study Circle Topics
Since June 2004, CALPRO has offered study circle facilitator trainings on the topics of learner persistence and reading instruction.
Adult Learner Persistence
The study circle on adult learner persistence engages ABE, ESL, and GED practitioners in discussing the research on how to increase student persistence to enable students to make substantial learning gains. In three 3-hour sessions, participants consider how they can apply the research on learner persistence in their classrooms and create a plan for trying a research-based strategy to increase persistence.
- NCSALL Study Circle Guide on Adult Learner Persistence
- Study Circle Participant Outcomes
Research-Based Adult Reading Instruction
The study circle on reading instruction is designed to help ABE, ESL, and GED practitioners read, discuss, and then use research to enhance their skills in teaching reading to adults. Participants typically attend three 3.5-hour sessions. The study circle guide provides an overview and suggested assessments on the four major components of reading.
Further Information
Contact CALPRO at 800-427-1422 for additional information.
