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What is a reading circle?

There can be two types of reading circles: teacher-led and student-led. The reading circle led by a teacher is considered contact teaching so the teacher may give you further instructions. The instructions on this page are relevant to self-organised study groups with the aim of achieving a course grade and credits. 

A reading circle is a learning process, where a small group of students gathers to discuss pre-selected literature based on an introduction to the topic. Since reading circle and its reporting is a completion method for the study unit, it must always be discussed in advance with the teacher in charge.

The reading circle must make a work plan and have it approved by the responsible teacher, who approves it or asks to refine the plan. The reading circle should not start working until the teacher in charge has approved the plan.

Objectives of the reading circle 

• Developing self-directedness
• Becoming competent in argument-based, critical discussions and reflection 
• Learning about cooperation and group work 
• Building expertise in your own field based on what has been read and discussed
• Reading circle as a work method
• Completed course

Reading circle as a work method 

There are usually 3-4 participants in a reading circle. The group meets independently to discuss the literature included in the study requirements. Follow the instructions given during the course/ by the teacher. The reading circle draws up a work plan (approximately 1 A4) as the basis for its work.

The plan includes:

• the name of the course 
• the names of the reading circle members 
• selected readings
• themes to be discussed
• schedule
• chairpersons and secretaries of the meetings as well as possible initiators

Within the reading circle, all members read the same works. Before each meeting, everyone in the reading circle prepares by reviewing specific sections of the reading set, which was agreed upon. This forms the foundation for the discussions in the meeting.

Roles in the reading circle

The instructions for the reading circle may vary by department. It is common practice that a chairperson and a secretary are chosen for each meeting. Roles change between meetings.

The chairperson's task is to ensure that the discussion progresses, stays on the topic and is on schedule. The chairperson also tries ensure that each member can actively take part in the discussion. 

The secretary's task is to take minutes and, after the meeting, to send them to other group members for approval. The secretary's notes are reading circle minutes and displays of reading circle work. The record (minutes) is a straight-forward, scientific report, in which the discussions on various themes, concepts, theories and perspectives are collected. It also includes related key questions and comments, difficult and possibly unclear issues, and how what has been read has been connected to e.g., current events and phenomena.

Sometimes a presenter is also chosen, whose task may be to prepare questions and suggestions for discussion topics.

Reading circle meetings 

An example of a reading circle with five meetings. The number of reading circles may vary. 

1. The first meeting focuses on making a work plan. The reading circle agrees on which works are read and by when, i.e., make a reading plan. They also agree on schedules, members' roles at each meeting and on possible presenter turns. The work plan is then sent to the teacher in charge.

2. The first book/work is discussed in the second meeting. One person acts as a chairperson and one as a secretary, who writes the minutes of the meeting. 

3. In the third meeting, the first book/work is still discussed, but with a different chairperson, secretary (and presenter).

4. In the fourth meeting, the reading circle moves on to another book/work. The members' roles change again.
5. The last meeting focuses on the second book/work. The reading circle also makes a written self-evaluation.  Consider the efficiency of the group, whether learning targets were met and how group members took part in the reading circle. Write down possible ambiguities, give the group a grade and explain how you came up with it.  

The final report of the reading circle serves as the basis for the assessment. The members of the reading circle receive the same grade from the reading circle, meaning that the group commits to teamwork and team evaluation when establishing the reading circle. The teacher in charge gives instructions on the final report.