Closing the Circle

Practices for Closing the Circle

The closing date of the Learning Circle should be listed in the timeline. Circle members may need to be reminded of the timetable and the ending date. It is nice to plan for the end so that circle partners have a chance to say good-byes as the work is completed. When people worked closely together to accomplish a task, it is natural for them to feel some sadness when the work is done and the group disbands. It is important the circle members reflect on the experience and share their closing thoughts with their partners.

Younger circle members have composed short poems to express their feelings and exchange email and postal addresses for summer visits or future correspondence. Teachers sometimes organize a final zoom or skype meeting if time zones allow for this.

Adults working in learning circles often reflect on the experience thinking through what worked and didn't work for the circle members. An example of this process can be seen in the closing reflections of the Learning Circle experience for the Evaluators Learning Circle.

Charting the Future

Learning Circles are designed by participating in them. Starting a new circle with new people can continue to evolve the process. Please feel free to describe your experience or offer any suggestions, comments, or ideas. We are eager to hear ideas and any discussion about the learning circle model. Feel free to send comments to Margaret Riel (mriel@pepperdine.edu).