The Nordic Dialogue Study Circles and Future Workshop as tools for democratic communication Hungary, 28 – 29 November 2016 sturlabjerkaker@gmail.com

Democratic Study Circles The tradition and consept of Study Circles – and the Study Circle as a tool for learning, democracy and dialogue

The dimentions of democracy A system, a constitution A power, a way of ruling A way of being, attitudes, humanity A set of rights But also a set of duties, of obligations The right to speak – the obligation to have a dialogue A space for the dialogue based learning…

The Study Circle – a method for learning, a tool for democracy “Sweden is to a great extent a Study Circle Democracy” (Olof Palme, 1968)

“The people need enlightenment” The development of learning methods and views on education and learning 1: The top-down approach (1830 – 1880) “The people need enlightenment” The Workers Academies, the Folk Universities, the University Extention Movements The Folk High Schools

The development of learning methods and views on education and learning 2: The bottom-up approach (1890 - ) “The liberation of the working class should be a task for the workers themselves” “For the people, through the people” Thus, the study circles became democratic and emancipatory methods and arenas for learning

…..A group of equals, the leader the “primus inter pares”…. Study Circles …..A group of equals, the leader the “primus inter pares”…. ….A circle of friends coming together to discuss problems or subjects of common interest… …on an equal footing (Oscar Olsson, 1902)

Study Circles and projects Project groups as study circles Management groups Spontanous groups Heterogenous groups Homogenous groups Dialogue groups Future Workshops…

The original concept of Study Circles People studied in small groups – 5 to 15 Often at home or a community house Study material was rare – one circle, one book Learning and dialogue based on communication Teachers not necessary, but occasionally Attending lectures and recourses from outside Based on the experiences in the group “Learning by sharing” – experience and knowledge

The pedagogical profile of the Study Circle Circle members/participants, not students/pupils Circle leaders, not teachers Circles/groups, not classes/lessons Previous humiliating or bad experiences from school should not frighten people to take part

The Study Circle Institution In Sweden and Norway it is the name of ”liberal/popular education and learning” Run according to rules, the Study Circles get public funding, independent of topics ”A mature democracy should (also) contribute to keep system critisism alive” (Norwegian White Paper on Culture, 1998)

Study Circle participation principles Equality and democracy Liberation of resources Cooperation and companionship Study and liberty Active participation Self managed and self directed learning (Oscar Olsson)

Study Circle Leadership …..The role of the leader is crucial, he needs both organisational, social and emotional skills... (Oscar Olsson, 1902)

The study circle leader should… Be a good listener and observer Be sensitive and responcive Promote cooperation Encourage all to take part Have knowledge about the members Be democratic, not authoritarian… Be a good organizer Have skills on the subject

The Uniqueness of the Study Circle…? A philosophy of equality The history of popular enlightenment The links to providers Dynamics between learning and teaching Easy and sheep way of learning Learning without humiliation and guilt A pedagogy for questioning “It is the answers that makes you fall asleep” (Freire)