In the General Assembly, we’ve talked about various actions and projects. One tool that has great potential is Study Circles,
Several Occupy sympathizers in Transition Palo Alto are planning a series of films and discussions on Study Circles in the spring.
Steffy R. asked that I post some background information on Study Circles, so here are some excerpts of articles on the web. Click on the links for the complete article.
-BA
Study Circles: Schools For Life
Cecile Andrews, In Context
Cooperative learning, democratic participation, respect for individual views, and learning from the collective wisdom of the group
—
Imagine this: Sitting around a dining room table littered with cups and the remains of banana bread are seven or eight people. A burst of laughter dies down as a woman continues her story about trying to persuade her 16 year-old son to wear a helmet when he rides his bike. A man wipes tears of laughter from his eyes and nods vigorously – “Yes, I know just what you mean. My son did that, too. But I read an article the other day that said ….”
These people are engaged in one of the most fulfilling human pastimes – conversation. But they’re not at a dinner party. They’re part of a study circle – a way of learning that is springing up across the country, a method of study that has been referred to as “education by the people.” In our thrill-seeking, high-tech, hectic times, people are turning to a relaxed, simple, low-tech form of fulfillment – educating themselves in an informal, egalitarian setting.
(more…)
Occupy Palo Alto 