The Pincher Creek Community Adult Learning Council expresses sincere appreciation to the National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources Development Canada for their encouragement and financial support of this project.

Study circles have traditionally been used for sharing ideas and opinions and dealing with social and political issues. They are ideal for the Community Adult Learning Council setting of subject-specific learning. The characteristics of study circles match the characteristics of adult learners who are interested in learning just what they want to know in whatever depth or detail is useful to them.

New readers and upgrading students find that there are many positive impacts from participating in study circles. These can include deeper understanding of materials being studied, improved literacy skills, improved self concept as learners, and validation of prior . learning from daily experience.

Study circles are an effective way of facilitating inexpensive educational opportunities where the students take responsibility for their own learning. Learning in the study circle setting is not passive and requires a commitment to active thinking and learning.

This information package is a guide to the use of study circles and is intended to assist programmers in Community Adult Learning Councils and Literacy Projects with the implementation of study circles. It is a summary of information gathered and experience gained in a pilot project conducted by the Pincher Creek Community Adult Learning Council.