Life Long Learning
Peer-led Study Groups – A Flexible, Daytime Learning Environment.
Collaborative Learning Through Peer-led Study Groups
Study groups at Brown are organized by volunteers to examine topics of their own choosing. Participants are typically mature learners whose schedule allows them to meet during two hour time blocks (10:15am -12:15pm or 1:15pm - 3:15pm) at least one day a week for ten week semesters.
In contrast to traditional courses there are no paid instructors. Study groups are organized by Volunteer Coordinators who select topics and facilitate the classroom learning environment.
In study groups, everyone is expected to actively participate. Class members take turns as Session Leaders and share in the planning, presentation and discussion of course material. This model encourages members to both teach and learn from each other, and to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences.
The role of study group Session Leader may take two forms:
- presenting prepared remarks on the given topic, to last no longer than twenty minutes, then leading a class discussion on that topic
-or- - assigning selected reading(s) to the class in a previous week and leading a discussion about those readings.
Volunteer Coordinators are always willing to help class members find research material, prepare Audio Visual displays, or offer whatever assistance may be needed for the session each member has selected to lead.
While the presentation/discussion model stands at the core of our peer-led collaborative learning model, a small number of courses are offered each semester in which presentations are not required. Coordinator(s) take on the responsibility of presenting material and leading discussion.
In addition there are opportunities to participate in more traditional faculty-led, non-credit courses offered evenings and weekends through the Brown Continuing Studies program.