Would you like to explore systems practice with like‑minded people – including the ideas, feelings and difficulties that come with it? Join an Active Learning Circle.
Active Learning Circles
What is an Active Learning Circle?
An Active Learning Circle (ALC) is a small group (typically 4–6 people) who explore a shared area of interest in systems practice over time. The aim is to leave with more knowledge, understanding and confidence to practice in that area. ALCs are also designed as a space to explore the emotional side of practice, both in you and in the people you work with – that are rarely addressed in formal learning. The groups aim to support the whole person in their learning journey.
Why are they helpful?
We recognize that sometimes systems thinking approaches can feel difficult to engage with. In an ALC we actively encourage “silly” questions as well as deep ones. The key principles are accessibility and inclusion: a space to explore systems no matter your current level. ALCs use a semi‑structured approach, with space to practice, challenge, fail and emerge – together and safely.
You might use an ALC to:
- Build confidence to use systems ideas in your work.
- Test and refine your thinking with supportive peers.
- Normalise uncertainty and confusion as part of learning.
Who are they for?
Anyone with an interest in systems practice; beginners are especially welcome. There are no experts and no novices. The aim is to support each other on an emergent, sometimes messy, journey of building understanding.
How do ALCs work?
ALCs are self‑facilitated (with initial support), and topics of interest are chosen by the group. Conversations are enhanced by simple structures such as the Feynman technique, advocacy and inquiry, and attention to convergence and divergence.
Once a circle is formed and in progress, it is closed to new participants.
When and where do they meet?
Meetings can be online or face to face, most commonly online. Frequency is agreed by participants, but is typically one hour, fortnightly to monthly, over a period of three months to one year.
How to get the most from an ALC
Active Learning Circles work best when a few key habits are in place.
Cadence and purpose
Commit to a realistic cadence you can sustain — fortnightly, hour‑long sessions work for many groups, though a short run of 3–4 sessions can suffice for a focused topic. Agree on a shared purpose to give the group direction, for example:
- Building knowledge on a topic
- Tackling a live challenge
- Testing an idea or getting feedback on work
- Practising facilitation skills
How members show up
- Share the load by volunteering to host, facilitate, or bring material, rather than relying on one person.
- Listen generously and engage with others’ contributions — it’s often where your own learning happens too.
- Be willing to experiment, offer your perspective humbly, and take feedback in the spirit it’s given, even when it feels exposing.
- Treat mistakes, muddled thinking, and questions as part of the process, not a failure of it — and extend grace to yourself and others when they arise.
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to join or find out more, please complete our sign‑up form. After you sign up, we’ll help match you with a group and provide an initial orientation.
What others have found useful about them
- Working through topics of shared interest, learning from the perspectives and experiences of others (‘the journey’).
- Having space to air confusion, discuss things we didn’t quite get, and ask questions of each other.
- Valuing the inclusive atmosphere, the adaptable framework and facilitative approach (‘the playing field’).
- Independently researching and developing ideas to share with the group.
- Emerging with a greater sense of understanding and confidence around the topics discussed. (‘the destination’).
Cohort 1
A shared understanding of emergence. We worked through a ‘concept map’ of the preceding concepts and ideas, adding resources and links along the way. Our thinking was – you can understand emergence standalone, but to engineer it you needed to know the things it’s build upon.
Cohort 2
A bond was formed and we created a large whiteboard which documented our exploration of the concept. Whilst we held differing views on what culture was and how it’s created, the space was instrumental in helping us to each explore the concept, bouncing off each other’s ideas and interpretation.