Study Circle

Brief Description:

Study Circles involve a small number of citizens who meet on more than one occasion to discuss varying issues.

Description:

Study Circles are similar to Focus Groups in that they involve a small number of people, guided by a facilitator, discussing an issue.

The difference is that whereas focus groups are designed to discover what people's attitudes are, a study circle is a collaborative effort where the onus is on creating ideas and learning more about a subject.

Used For:

Study Circles can be used to engage people of similar interests but are also used to analyse and seek possible solutions to an issue.

Suitable participants:

Members of a study circle could be anyone with an interest in discussing an issue at greater length. They can be suitable not only in an educational environment but in how organisations are run as well.

The study circle should be small (7-12) to allow for a comfortable atmosphere for people to air their views.

Cost:

Medium-Low

The cost of conducting a study circle depend on where it takes place. An organisation could conduct one as easily as in a spare room whereas other institutions or people may have to hire a venue, staff and provide catering over a number of different sessions.

Time Requirements:

As Study Circles are designed to educate as well as create new ideas the time requirements can be a few hours and over multiple sessions.

When To Use / What It Can Deliver:

Use Study Circles to:

• Educate participants on an issue,

• Share interests,

• Discover a right course of action for an organisation.

When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:

Do not use Study Circles:

• To influence social action,

• If you want a representative sample of attitudes.

Strengths:

• Helps in solving problems,

• Can help create new ideas by pooling people's knowledge and experiences,

• Creates closer relationships between participants.

Weaknesses:

• Can be weak in aiding civic change or influencing large numbers of people,

• Not large enough to generate representative attitudes.

Origin:

Education

Study Circles were developed in academia, particularly Sweden in the 19th Century and are still popular. They have grown to be used outside of education for uses in government and business.

Case Studies:

Related Methods

• Conversation Cafes
• Focus Groups
• World Cafe

Restrictions In Use

Further Information

Insert Content here

Popular Methods

21st Century Town Meeting

Citizens Jury

Deliberative Polling

Open Space

Participatory Appraisal

Participatory Budgeting

Webcasting