Learning circles in a steady 4-meeting rhythm
A learning circle is DuFour's Professional Learning Community in action: 4 meetings over 6–8 weeks, joint inquiry into a teaching problem, documented output. Atomic creation: one click = circle + 4 meetings seeded.
4-meeting template
Frame the problem · Investigate · Trial · Conclude. Dates auto-suggested, fully editable.
Atomic creation
One atomic create creates the circle + 4 meetings in one transaction.
Output in markdown
Each meeting has an output_markdown field — the final output mirrors to the knowledge hub.
Auto-publish on close
Trg_publish_cirkel_on_close trigger publishes the artefact — no copy-paste work.
Add ad-hoc meetings
The add function adds flexibility without breaking sequence numbering.
Closed = read-only
When a circle closes, every meeting becomes read-only with a banner. History is preserved.
In the classroom
Spelling errors in year 4
A learning circle investigates common patterns — outputs share a concrete spelling strategy with the whole school.
Maths in early stage
Four early-stage teachers investigate number sense — closes with a shareable practice guide.
Cross-subject reading week
A learning circle prepares, runs and evaluates — all linked to the school's reading goal.
Two audiences, one tool
Circles move the conversation from 'we should do something' to documented inquiry with output. That's DuFour's classic PLC mechanic — the actual driver behind the most effective schools in his 30-year field study.
Number of active circles per school and artefacts published per semester are two of the strongest indicators of collective professional development — stronger than CPD courses paid for.
Works with
Research base
- DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many, T. & Mattos, M. (2016). Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work (3rd ed.). Solution Tree Press
- Stoll, L., Bolam, R., McMahon, A., Wallace, M. & Thomas, S. (2006). Professional learning communities: a review of the literature. Journal of Educational Change, 7(4), 221–258 source
- Timperley, H., Wilson, A., Barrar, H. & Fung, I. (2007). Teacher Professional Learning and Development — Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration. New Zealand Ministry of Education source
- Joyce, B. & Showers, B. (2002). Student Achievement Through Staff Development (3rd ed.). ASCD
- Hargreaves, A. & Fullan, M. (2012). Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School. Teachers College Press
- Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge University Press
Frequently asked questions
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