1. f
Senior Study Circles

2. The Nordic light… and concept of study circles and folk high schools

3. The Nordic concept of Study Circles and Folk High Schools
The tradition, development, present situation…

4. N.F.S. Grundtvig (1782 – 1871)

5. and the future…

6. The Study Circle – as a democratic method for learning
“Sweden is to a great extent a Study Circle Democracy”
(Olof Palme, 1968)

7. Olof Palme

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

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

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

11. Oscar Olsson

13. 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)

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

15. The pedagogical profile of the Study Circle
Circle members/participants, not students/pupils
Circle leaders, not teachers
Circles/groups, not classes/lessons
Previous bad experiences from school should not frighten

16. The Study Circle Institution
In Sweden it is the name of ”liberal education and learning”
Run according to rules, 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)

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

18. 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 for all ages
Learning without humiliation and guilt
A pedagogy for questioning
“It is the answers that makes you fall asleep” (Paulo Freire)

20. The 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 organiser
Have skills on the subject

21. Study circles in practice
Seniorweb Norway
University of the 3. Age and Senior Academies
Local community groups
Library Groups - Reading Circles
Handicraft Circles
Walking circes

23. Senior Study Circle Handicraft

24. Senior Circles Computer Learning

25. U3A, ex: Brisbane
U3A is the University of the Third Age, which is the age of active retirement, coming after the age of youth and work and home making. University is a loose term - there are no academic requirements for membership and no exams!
U3A is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

26. The Self-help Learning Principles of the U3A Movement
Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members.
No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
No payments are made to members for services rendered to any U3A. No payments are made to outside tutors.

27. And learn…
Contact Us
Chronic Illness Alliance Inc.  587 Canterbury Rd, Surrey Hills VIC 3127 Australia

28. Thank you for listening and participating!