The purpose of this study is to explore the educational aspects of adult study circle activities of distant learning colleges and provides the further tasks for future study circles at Korea National Open University (KNOU). The study examined the stud...
The purpose of this study is to explore the educational aspects of adult study circle activities of distant learning colleges and provides the further tasks for future study circles at Korea National Open University (KNOU). The study examined the study circles of KNOU in Mindulle and Gaenari areas, and in-depth interviews were conducted targeting their members. Results showed that the study circles keep producing the unique characteristics of their own through experience involving trial and error learning. Further, the study circles were clearly divided into the learning-centered and learning and relationship-centered study circles, coping with the online learning at KNOU as a learning strategy by making progress in cooperative creating and selective using learning materials and preparing for exam. The results suggested that the study circles serve as a daily life-centered learning hub and play as a network that extends a learning network which individuals maintain, and lived experiences of adult learners in the study circles allow the students to shape identities as a student of KNOU. The study discusses the further tasks for future activities of adult study circle, including that: First, an adequate integrated support system for supporting study circles must be established. Second, study circle should be extended to regional active participations that are open to an opportunity of learning about major concentration in depth. Finally, a learning community that is appropriate for the essence of study circles needs to be built.