The Use of Study Circles as a Teaching Tool to Enhance Service Learning, Students' Civic Engagement, and Community Partnerships: A Collaborative Approach
Rhoda Frumkin (Wagner College), Katia Gonzalez-Acquaro (Wagner College), Susan Rosenberg (Wagner College)
Abstract
This workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed for planning and implementing a study circles curriculum as a teaching tool to enhance service learning and the community engagement of student teachers working in partnership with local schools. The idea for study circles emerged in response to positive interactions among students, faculty, staff and community members who collaborated on several important diversity-related projects taking place at a small liberal arts college in New York City. Due to the desire for continued collaboration, study circles were developed as part of a student teaching seminar as a way to expand the knowledge of diversity-related issues pertaining to culture, sexuality, exceptionalities, civic responsibility and engagement, and socio-economics.
Procedure for workshop implementation:
Utilizing concepts of adult learning theory, the facilitators will lead workshop participants in a step by step simulation of how study circles can be implemented in a college setting.
Though condensed into a one session format, participants will experience all the stages that the students typically go through during their semester long study circles.
Participants will be exposed to the latest research in different mediums to generate topics of inquiry. Working in both large and small groups, participants will explore topics related to diversity and community service, exploring ways to further connect and study their topics. Drawing upon their own experiences as well as academic and community resources, participants will work toward increasing their knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy on how to meaningfully contribute to civic engagement opportunities.
Examples will also include how to utilize an online course management system as a reflective tool to expand on the conversation held during face-to-face interaction.
