The Learning Circle as an Aid to Distance Learning

Abstract

Experiences with distance learning methods have shown that the step from traditional, teacher‐based training to self‐organized learning is sometimes too great for trainees to adapt comfortably to the new method. Particularly where the trainees have no experience of learning — as opposed to being taught — there is a need to provide a familiar, structured experience to support distance learning. This support system, however, should not destroy the advantages to be gained from self‐organized learning but should provide a ‘bridge’ to help the trainee to attain them. Such a system therefore must contain an element of improving the trainee's effectiveness as a learner.

One method of achieving this is by use of the ‘learning circle’. A circle consists of a group of learners, a line‐manager and a training adviser who contract together to achieve the objectives of a distance learning programme. The learners agree to organize the task themselves and to study their own learning processes. The manager and trainer agree to provide necessary resources, to support the learning effort and to assist the learners in developing their learning skills. The article describes this process and considers some theoretical and practical aspects of learning circles.