It's gratifying to be a Study Group Leader!

Testimonials from BOLLI SGL's

"I’ve led courses on eight different topics during my 19 years as a BOLLI member, none of them related to my professional life before retirement.  Areas have included Music and Dance, Literature, History and Culture, and Film. In each case, the idea was sparked by an interest that I wanted to learn more about.  In addition to the classes that I led by myself, the majority were co-taught, with two different BOLLI member teaching partners over the years.  In those cases, it was exciting to brainstorm with a partner to develop a course and explore different sorts of materials that we might include.  Dividing responsibility for leading class time made things much easier, whether by dividing the individual class sessions between the two SGLs or by alternating segments within a session.  Teaching at BOLLI has given me a great deal of personal satisfaction.  It takes a good amount of time to develop a course, but it’s a creative effort that is very rewarding.  And the feeling after a successful class session can bring a real high." 

Naomi Schmidt

"Leading study groups at BOLLI have been among the most rewarding things I've ever done.  Doing the research, digging in to a new area of interest is exciting, then you get to share your journey with the class.  The classroom experience is exhilarating and the sense of shared accomplishment with the class is extremely rewarding.  And BOLLI surrounds you with mentors and friends to help you with every aspect of the process.  What's not to love? "

Ollie Curme

"Looking back on more than fifteen years of giving courses at BOLLI, two things stand out fairly equally:  (1) developing a course on a given subject, even a familiar one, means greater learning about it than one can get in just about any other way, and (2) the interaction with class members is so rewarding that it’s worth all the time and effort of course preparation.

I consider myself a strong proponent of peer-led teaching. It has let me develop and present courses on a variety of subjects, some of which have no connection with my professional background. For those, a deep personal interest and the pleasure of sharing it was the incentive, along with the supportive BOLLI environment which allowed me to successfully take that chance."

Peter Schmidt

"The spring semester of 2023 marks the completion of my sixth year as a BOLLI Study Group Leader, teaching my twelfth WHODUNIT? course, each one exploring a different aspect of mysteries. When I was approached to teach a course on the mystery novel, my initial reaction was to say no.  I was apprehensive about teaching adults, fearful that my background wasn’t sufficiently “professional.”  When I was  asked again the following year, I decided I wanted to share the experience of reading outstanding crime novels. Teaching these classes was definitely a learning experience for me, one that broadened my knowledge of the world and its cultures (“International Mysteries,” “Scandinavian Mysteries,” “Murder Most British”), how people cope with adversity (“Detectives with Disabilities”), and the past (“Historical Mysteries”).

I’ve been an avid reader of mysteries since my late childhood, and I’ve always been in awe of writers who are able to create a plot and a variety of characters in a way that holds the reader’s interest.  Teaching these classes was definitely a learning experience for me… It gave me a sense of greater belonging to the BOLLI community.  I have enjoyed every semester I’ve taught and learned so much from the members who have taken my courses.  As Oscar Hammerstein’s famous lyric goes, “If you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught.”  So very true. "

Marilyn Brooks

"If you have never taught before, becoming an SGL may cause some apprehension. It is however a great opportunity to learn something about your potential abilities in an area where you have no experience. That was the case with me as I found out that I really enjoyed the interaction with a class, found satisfaction in stimulating their interest and learned a lot from the thoughtful discussions in class. It was also an excellent way to meet a wide range of BOLLI members. Although I have led numerous classes in the array of epics that I teach, I never fail to learn something new or modify or alter my perspective on issues that arise in discussion because of the comments of engaged class members. Becoming an SGL is a constant learning experience."

Len Aberbach

Frequently Asked Questions about being a BOLLI SGL

Do I  need to have a background in teaching?

Some of our BOLLI SGLs have come from a teaching background but many have not.  People who have taught professionally will appreciate that we don't give exams, don't grade people, and don't have to deal with students with no interest in the subject.  If you can conduct a discussion, organize subject material, and speak clearly, then you have the essential skills to be an SGL.  Also, our Study Group Support Committee can provide you guidance and support before and during a course.

 Do I need to be an expert on a course topic to teach at BOLLI?

Some BOLLI members enjoy a presentation from "the sage on the stage", but many enjoy facilitated discussions that don't require the SGL to be an expert, only to be reasonably knowledgeable.  Courses can fall anywhere on the spectrum from primarily lecture to mainly group discussion. Note that we use the term "study group leader" rather than "teacher" because you may be leading the group in learning rather than imparting learning.

How can I figure out if an idea I have for a course is a good fit for BOLLI?

The Curriculum Committee is here to discuss course possibilities with you.

Do  I have to  create a website for my course? 

A course website is desirable but not required.  You will need to prepare a syllabus, but that can be delivered by email.  We have resources at BOLLI to help you create a website if you are open to trying it, even if you've never made one before.

What if I am unsure that my Zoom skills are good enough for me to present materials in an online class? 

We have resources to give you some instruction in holding a course over Zoom.  If this is just not in your skill set, you should request to teach in person.

Can I get a time slot that works for me if I am only available at certain times? 

When you submit a course proposal you will be asked to specify the times you are not available and we will honor that.

Will I be asked to teach  in-person or online?

BOLLI accommodates both in-person and online courses, so you can specify which you prefer to lead.  There are pros and cons to each, and if you are unsure we can help you decide what is best for you.