Learning Circles Around Research in Graduate Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 125
  In Roundtable Session: Models of Action Research and Collaboration: Learning Circles and Critical Friends

Abstract

This paper explores the use of a collaboration structure- learning circles – combined with action research helps to create and study change.  Action research operates on three levels simultaneously, the personal, organizational and scholarly.  The outcomes at each of these levels are supported by distributed leadership and group processes of learning circles.   The data are surveys completed by 9 cadres of mid-career professionals at three points during a one-year graduate program using learning circles with action research.   The findings suggest that learning circles support action researchers by creating a context for them to engage in dialogue with others about plans; developing reliable methods of analysis; and providing a context to share and critique findings.

Author

• Margaret M. Riel, Pepperdine University