2022 Integrative and Experiential Learning Series

Circle Pedagogies: Indigenous Pedagogy in the classroom

Presenters and Facilitators

• Jennifer Ball – Circle Trainer and Facilitator
• Katherine Lithgow- Centre for Teaching Excellence
• Steffanie Scott - Geography and Environmental Management
• Matthew Morales – Graduate of Master of Peace and Conflicts Study
• Kevin Carey - Communications Arts
• Leslie Wexler – Centre for Teaching Excellence

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Learning circles or sharing circles are a foundational approach to indigenous pedagogy-in-action since they provide a model of an educational activity that encourages classroom dialogue, respect, and the co-creation of learning content. Approaching an indigenous circle, one is made immediately aware that circle is seen as respectful approach to talking with others and provides participants a sense of communion and presence that is not often common in many methods of communicating within the classroom. Most notably, every person will have a turn to speak. In those moments, the attention that attends hearing voices one at a time becomes active and experiential learning. The listener, awaiting their turn has time to contemplate their response as a delayed response that might listen to other viewpoints before speaking. The listening itself becomes a rich source of information, identity, and interconnection in the learning experience for the students and the educator.

In this immersive experience four panelists came together in circle to open that discussion. The method of the circle was discussed in full and then 3-5 questions were provided for circle to center the initial discussion and thinking we wanted to do together. As circle proceeded, the select panelists in their turns shared from their personal experiences.

Look at the handout

Making a difference while learning: Using the campus as a living lab in your courses