Interest in Learning Circles?

[Chris Johnston]

While there’s a growing volume and range of training available for patient partners, cohort style opportunities still aren’t common.

The opportunity to discuss learning concepts and experiences with other learners is an integral part of consolidating learning. It’s how we test and expand our understanding, and how we make deeper connections to embed and retain learning.

A learning circle is essentially a small learner-led study group, that identifies a learning opportunity of interest - such as an online on-demand course - and commits to pursuing it together with regular virtual meetings to discuss and explore aspects of the content.

I’ve had some experience of both formal and informal learning circles and found them to be both empowering and fun, and would love the opportunity to join a learning circle for patient partners.

So I thought I’d ask the question - are there any PAN members currently involved in learning circles that are open to new members? Or interested in forming one?

[Joan Tu]

@Chris-Johnston I would be more interested in informal gatherings to chat and hear what other patient partners or leaders are up to. Learning is okay but I would only want to do it if the topic was of high relevance or interest to me, and may prefer to do it on my own in my own time depending on what it is. However if it was just an informal circle with no particular learning program I would be happy to join.

[Chris Johnston]

@Joan-Tu Totally understand that Joan, and I think there’s a need for both learning circles and informal meetings - each serves a different purpose but both contribute to building strong patient partner networks.

[Monica Halsey]

@Chris-Johnston Thank you so much for raising this idea - it really resonates with me. The idea of a Learning Circle feels like a natural and much-needed extension of the work we do. It's not just about building knowledge; it's also about building relationships, making meaning together, and offering mutual support. I think of it as part of a "circle of care" that keeps us connected and supported as we do this important, often emotional work.

I'd be happy to explore how we might get something like this started - perhaps even within PAN. I'd also like to hear from others in this community: is there interest in co-creating this? What would make it meaningful and sustainable? Looking forward to where this conversation might lead.