Join VAACE Learning Circles
- Sharpen your professional skills
- Share your valuable insights & strengths
- Help each other to grow
What is a learning circle?
As a follow up to the 2024 Conference, VAACE is sponsoring virtual Learning Circles across the Commonwealth (from January to April) in order to strengthen collaboration, focus efforts, and explore how to improve instructional practices.
Learning circles are a way to help us learn more effectively, more quickly, and more deeply than if we worked alone. They are a way to harness the
power of distributed minds to better understand new ideas, develop innovative practices, find better answers to challenging questions or try out new approaches.
By working in a circle, we share the benefit of reading, thinking, and researching – and we find collective ways of sharing and storing what we learn. This work builds our shared capacity as a field to be more innovative and efficient.
The Learning Circle Model is a method for collaborative knowledge-building using an interactive, participatory structure for organizing group work. The goal is to build, share, and express knowledge through a process of open dialogue and deep reflection around issues or challenges with a focus on shared outcomes. In order to acquire a deeper understanding of areas of shared interest, the structure balances individual ownership with a collective responsibility that helps everyone achieve their learning objectives.
What to do?
Consider Topic
Reflect on the VAACE conference sessions you attended and consider a topic in which you want to take a deeper dive.
The Learning Circles will focus on innovative practices in four areas.
- Corrections Education
- English Language Acquisition
- Adult Basic Education & GED
- Workforce & Career Pathways
Join a Learning Circle
Learning Circles will be happening all around the state in a hybrid format. While the main mode of communication will be online, it is encouraged that participants who are in proximity to one another form “Watch Parties” by gathering together in a shared location.
Click the button below to register for the Learning Circle of your choice. The facilitator will connect with you and provide the Zoom link for your group.
Attend the Kickoff
An official kickoff virtual meeting will take place on December 4 at 4 p.m. to organize efforts and set expectations.
Showcase Outcomes
At the close of the Learning Circle sessions, VAACE will host a virtual Exhibition of Learning in May where groups will be able to showcase what they have accomplished so far and share plans for the future. It is hoped that outcomes from the Learning Circles will inform planning for the next year’s conference.
4 learning circles to choose from
Learning circles for PY 24-25 have been divided into four groups. Here are brief descriptions of each topic being covered as well as the dates for participation. Sessions run for six-weeks.
Innovative Practices: Corrections
This learning circle for adult educators will focus on exploring and sharing strategies to improve educational outcomes for learners who are incarcerated. This collaborative group could address unique challenges such as limited access to resources, motivation, and technological barriers within correctional settings. By fostering peer learning and discussing new approaches, participants can develop methods to enhance literacy, vocational training, and reentry preparation for adult learners in correctional facilities. This learning circle aims to create a supportive environment where educators can exchange best practices and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of justice-impacted individuals.
Every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
Starts: January 8, 2025
Ends: February 26. 2025
Innovative Practices: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Adult educators are invited to join this learning circle to explore solutions to challenges in ESOL education, such as limited resources, time constraints, and diverse learner needs. Examine topics like cultural differences, low motivation and retention, limited formal education, and difficulties in progress tracking, which further complicate effective teaching and learning in the context of English-language learning: Together, we can address these and other topics to enhance teaching strategies and support adult learners in their language development.
Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom
Starts: January 9, 2025
Ends: February 27, 2025
Innovative Practices: Adult Basic Education and GED® Programs
Adult educators are invited to join this learning circle to explore solutions to challenges in ESOL education, such as limited resources, time constraints, and diverse learner needs. Examine topics like cultural differences, low motivation and retention, limited formal education, and difficulties in progress tracking, which further complicate effective teaching and learning in the context of English-language learning: Together, we can address these and other topics to enhance teaching strategies and support adult learners in their language development.
Every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
Starts: March 4, 2025
Ends: April 8, 2025
Innovative Practices: Workforce & Career Pathways
Please join this learning circle focusing on workforce and career connections for our adult learners. Key issues include a lack of employer engagement, skill gaps, and limited access to career counseling. Transportation barriers and the need for workplace flexibility also hinder job access, while some programs may need to focus on the development of essential soft skills. Additionally, financial constraints can limit opportunities for further training or certification, impacting employability. By fostering a supportive environment, participants can explore best practices for skill development, employer engagement, and access to resources ultimately improving the transition from education to employment for adult learners.
Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom
Starts: March 6, 2025
Ends: April 10, 2025