ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to analyze study circles, which are small-scale learning communities formed by the voluntary participation of local residents and affecting change and growth centered on the region. Therefore, through interview...
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to analyze study circles, which are small-scale learning communities formed by the voluntary participation of local residents and affecting change and growth centered on the region. Therefore, through interviews with those who are performing study circle activities well in the region, this paper is aimed at finding out what efforts are needed to continue study circle activities and how to best create a learning community that grows and continues together.
The theoretical quest examined previous research papers on study circles for each theme and analyzed what research has been actively conducted. In addition, the concept of study circles and its growth process were examined, and the concept and composition principle of a learning community, and the relationship between community and lifelong education was analyzed. The characteristics, motivation for participation, factors that hinder participation, and theories and factors that determine continuous participation of adult learners participating in lifelong learning were examined, and data was collected through interviews to see if any of these factors actually influence the sustainability of study circles.
And then, The area to be studied was limited to Gwangjin-gu, where the researcher reside. Therefore, it was possible to have close interviews with study circles and collect data. Interview participants played key roles in the study circles, such as leaders and general affairs, and they were selected to have a sense of regional development and development of the Study Circle activities.
The research method used a qualitative research method to analyze the case of study circles empirically. The qualitative research method was considered to be suitable for understanding the activity process, the change process, and the consciousness of the members of study circles. Since the research problems at which the researcher aims is to deal with the problems and conflicts inherent in study circles, it is considered to be somewhat sensitive, thereby the names of study circles and the real names of the participants were not recorded. The semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to the participants in advance, so that the burden of actual interviews can be reduced and participants can prepare for interviews.
The results of the study showed that the motivation and purpose of starting study circles was voluntary organizations of people who wanted to study the same learning topics, and the learning topics were diverse depending on each study circle. Learning methods of a study circle took the method of conducting by a leader or by members in turn, and there are study circles in which learning activities are conducted in parallel with experience and field learning. The method to secure funds for study circle activities is mainly paying dues on a regular basis, and there are many study circles in which the members pay the activity fee. Study circles supported externally were supported through public contest projects related to study circles conducted by government offices, but the amount is limited. Study circles that lack space for activities were the most, and there are study circles that ask for support for activities or programs. Many study circles said that lack of external support, internal conflicts and inherent problems are difficult aspects. The conflict situations that occur most frequently in study circles showed the process of being resolved by the consideration and understanding of the leader and the members, and the sacrifice and leadership of the leader.
On the other hand, the positive effects of study circle activities are shown to be helpful to the enhancement of life satisfaction, a sense of achievement, responsibility, self-esteem, vitality of life, development of friendship and human relations, acquisition of certificates, self-development, education for children, understanding and care for others, human networking, as well as information exchange. As factors that are necessary for continuing study circles, the securing of study circle activity space, faith and friendship among members, satisfaction, communication, rules for keeping a frame of the study circle, care and compliance with rules, and role sharing were significant factors
What the participants want from the local authorities for study circle activities has common elements such as study circle activity expenses, programs, activity spaces, and instructor support. On the other hand, there are study circles that request teaching aids, book purchase expenses, study circle operation guide, and consulting support. However, it turned out that all the study circles want some kind of systematic and sustainable support though a national system. The implication of this study is that supporting the activation of small scale study circles for the sustainable learning community will greatly contribute to the development of the individual, home and society, and lifelong education.
Nevertheless, study circle activities are made voluntarily, but faced with various difficulties, thereby study circles are unable to continue their activities and are experiencing the phenomenon of losing members or being disorganized.
Therefore, support for study circles can be a key element to support the growth and development of study circles and to expand continuously to a large scale learning community. Therefore, continuous study circle activities are essential for creating a right and healthy society. Considering these effects of study circles, it is now necessary to systematically and realistically support the operation and activities of study circles.