The learning circle experience: Findings from the P2PU participant survey

Abstract

P2PU learning circles are free study groups organized for people to take online classes together and in-person. Participants gather in public spaces, like public libraries and community centers to work through a massive open online course (MOOC) with guidance from a facilitator. This report summarizes a selection of data gathered from P2PU’s online learner survey to help inform P2PU’s work promoting learning circles in libraries and building a community of skilled facilitators. The learner survey was completed by 144 individuals in the United States and Kenya who signed up for a learning circle using P2PU’s website. The results show that at least three-quarters of respondents were able to achieve the goals they set out to achieve in the learning circles and that the public library played an important role in learners’ success. Findings highlight the importance of social and emotional support, group discussion, and facilitator interpersonal skills in non-formal peer learning environments.