Language: English
How to Conduct an Online Study Circle – Course outline
Kind of delivery: Fully Online
Number of hours:
9 hours
Course duration:
Course duration is dependant on the participant
COURSE DESCRIPTION
How to Conduct an Online Study Circle
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR?
This course introduces the foundational principles of popular education through the study circle methodology and explores how these principles can be implemented in online environments. Participants will learn how to create, facilitate, and sustain participatory and empowering online study circles that promote dialogue, solidarity, and collective reflection. It is part of the Participatory Online Pedagogy (POP) Certificate.
PRE-REQUISITES: WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED CRITERIA FOR ATTENDING THIS COURSE?
This course is designed for prospective study circle leaders and members who are interested in running or participating in online study circles, especially within unions, civil society organisations, and community groups.
COURSE DURATION, NUMBER OF SESSIONS AND MODE OF DELIVERY
The course consist of 6 units, including a mid-course reflection, final quiz, and course evaluation
Mode of Delivery: Fully asynchronous online via the IFWEA Online Labour Academy (OLA), with interactive discussion forums and practical assignments
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Explain the study circle approach, including its history, values, and how it adapts to online learning environments.
- Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of both facilitators and participants in online study circles.
- Plan and prepare an online study circle, including setting clear goals, choosing appropriate platforms, and co-creating learning agreements.
- Facilitate engaging and inclusive online study circle sessions using participatory techniques that promote dialogue, solidarity, and collective reflection.
- Recognise and address common challenges in online facilitation, such as digital divides, participant engagement, and accessibility issues.
- Select and effectively use digital platforms and tools to support collaboration, interaction, and safe learning environments in online study circles.
SESSION OVERVIEW
Unit 1: Introduction & Orientation
ONLINE LEARNING MODE:Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Welcome to the course; how to use the OLA; introduce yourself; myths about online learning
DURATION (minutes): 60 minutes
Unit 2: Understanding the Study Circle Approach
ONLINE LEARNING MODE:Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS:Principles of Popular Education; What is a Study Circle? Your learning experiences
DURATION (minutes): 90 minutes
Unit 3: Roles of a Facilitator and Member
ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Roles of study circle members and facilitators; comparison with formal educators
DURATION (minutes): 90 minutes
Unit 4: Phases of Conducting a Study Circle
ONLINE LEARNING MODE:Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Steps and phases: Organising, Dialogue, Action
DURATION (minutes): 120 minutes
Mid-course Reflection
ONLINE LEARNING MODE:Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS:Forum on how study circles can support advocacy and community work
DURATION (minutes): 30 minutes
Unit 5: Facilitating and Sustaining Engagement Online
ONLINE LEARNING MODE: Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Challenges of online facilitation; digital skills; tips for facilitation
DURATION (minutes): 90 minutes
Unit 6: Platforms and Tools for Online Study Circles
ONLINE LEARNING MODE:Self-learning activities on the IFWEA Online Labour Academy
DESCRIPTION AND TOPICS: Overview of meeting platforms and collaboration tools; discussion on best platforms
DURATION (minutes): 90 minutes