Circles in Action
as a Powerful Facilitation Strategy
I intentionally utilize a Circle Learning approach, with a traditional smudge as
part of a traditional opening included with a personal check in. At the
beginning of facilitation, I begin with offering this traditional smudge as I
find comfort as a facilitator in creating this ritual that it is helpful to
ground, calm and bring everyone together as one, leaving behind any worries or
anxiety that participants may be carrying with them. A talking circle begins
when the elder, or facilitator begins the process by lighting a smudge of sage,
sweet grass, cedar, or Tobacco.
This is then offered to each participant, who is standing in a circle formation. Purification is achieved by means of the medicinal smoke. Within this environment, it assists in releasing
negative energy one might be carrying, such as stress and to clear the mind, body and spirit. It enables participants to come together as one in a good way, with a clear mind and heart.
Student of Wilfred Lauriers’ Indigenous Masters of Social Work, Lisa McDonald adds "The medicines help in setting the tone. They are powerful in themselves and bring everything into focus. ” This can be especially effective within a learning environment as it clears away inhibitions and brings clarity to the individual and a sense of group cohesiveness.
The Circle teaches us that everyone it inter-related and inter-connected.
Talking Circles or Circle Learning are a foundational approach to First Nations
pedagogy-in-action since they provide a model for an educational activity that is experiential and encourages dialogue, respect, the co-creation of learning content, and social discourse. The energy created from using this respectful approach to talking with others provides a sense of communion and interconnectedness that is not often present in the common methods of communicating in the classroom environment.
When everyone has their individual turn to speak, when all voices are heard respectfully, the atmosphere becomes a rich source of information, identity, and learning interaction.
(Kaminski and Currie, 2010).
Orr illustrates this point, "I have found the talking circle to be particularly useful when introducing or developing highly sensitive topics, and for debriefing teaching processes
and concepts. It is important to make sure that trust is carefully and thoroughly developed before this process is used so as not to trivialize this sacred teaching tool.” (Orr, 2003)
As Orr describes, it is an andragogical practice that draws on the power of the circle and allows for an equalization of voices that promotes a shared ownership of knowledge and
a collective responsibility for learning. (Orr, 2003)
There is respect for all within the circle as each participant listens with undivided attention to their fellow learner.
Much of the circle learning is about learning through each other, what you gain from the process and the peer sharing opportunities.
Some of the best and richest knowledge comes not from is said, but rather what one has felt…
as a Powerful Facilitation Strategy
I intentionally utilize a Circle Learning approach, with a traditional smudge as
part of a traditional opening included with a personal check in. At the
beginning of facilitation, I begin with offering this traditional smudge as I
find comfort as a facilitator in creating this ritual that it is helpful to
ground, calm and bring everyone together as one, leaving behind any worries or
anxiety that participants may be carrying with them. A talking circle begins
when the elder, or facilitator begins the process by lighting a smudge of sage,
sweet grass, cedar, or Tobacco.
This is then offered to each participant, who is standing in a circle formation. Purification is achieved by means of the medicinal smoke. Within this environment, it assists in releasing
negative energy one might be carrying, such as stress and to clear the mind, body and spirit. It enables participants to come together as one in a good way, with a clear mind and heart.
Student of Wilfred Lauriers’ Indigenous Masters of Social Work, Lisa McDonald adds "The medicines help in setting the tone. They are powerful in themselves and bring everything into focus. ” This can be especially effective within a learning environment as it clears away inhibitions and brings clarity to the individual and a sense of group cohesiveness.
The Circle teaches us that everyone it inter-related and inter-connected.
Talking Circles or Circle Learning are a foundational approach to First Nations
pedagogy-in-action since they provide a model for an educational activity that is experiential and encourages dialogue, respect, the co-creation of learning content, and social discourse. The energy created from using this respectful approach to talking with others provides a sense of communion and interconnectedness that is not often present in the common methods of communicating in the classroom environment.
When everyone has their individual turn to speak, when all voices are heard respectfully, the atmosphere becomes a rich source of information, identity, and learning interaction.
(Kaminski and Currie, 2010).
Orr illustrates this point, "I have found the talking circle to be particularly useful when introducing or developing highly sensitive topics, and for debriefing teaching processes
and concepts. It is important to make sure that trust is carefully and thoroughly developed before this process is used so as not to trivialize this sacred teaching tool.” (Orr, 2003)
As Orr describes, it is an andragogical practice that draws on the power of the circle and allows for an equalization of voices that promotes a shared ownership of knowledge and
a collective responsibility for learning. (Orr, 2003)
There is respect for all within the circle as each participant listens with undivided attention to their fellow learner.
Much of the circle learning is about learning through each other, what you gain from the process and the peer sharing opportunities.
Some of the best and richest knowledge comes not from is said, but rather what one has felt…