What is expected of participants? – Making the most of your study circle

In a study circle, how you talk with each other is as important as what you talk about. These tips will help make the study circle enjoyable, thought-provoking and productive:

• Attend every study circle session. If everyone in your group makes a good effort to be at each meeting, you will build trust and familiarity. This is essential for a conversation that explores the depths of how you feel and think about the issue. And you won’t feel the need to review the details of each session for those that did not attend.
• Be prepared. Read / Watch the discussion materials before you come to each session. Each part of the study circle guide offers questions, viewpoints & ideas to help you examine the issue. By reading / watching the materials ahead of time, you will be ready to jump right into the discussion. The guide also suggests simple things you can do to keep your own learning and reflection on between study circle meetings.
• Take responsibility for the quality of the discussion. The study circle facilitator’s job is to keep the discussion moving and on track. In the dictionary the word “facilitate” means to make easier. But participants are also responsible for “making things easier”. At the first session of your study circle, your group will set ground rules about what kind of discussions you want to have and how you want to treat each other. Stick with these ground rules and help others do the same.