# P2PU Knowledge Base

**Learning circles** are free, lightly-facilitated study groups that meet regularly to learn from open educational resources. 

Rooted in values of community, peer learning, equity, and open access, a learning circle typically has the following components: 

* **a facilitator** (responsible for organizing the learning circle, not teaching: the group should work together to understand the material; see [**Facilitating Peer Learning**](https://docs.p2pu.org/facilitation/facilitation-basics))
* **a group of learners** (ideally 4–12 for an engaging group dynamic; see [**Finding Participants**](https://docs.p2pu.org/facilitation/finding-participants))
* **a regular meeting space** (in-person or online; see [**Setting Up Meeting Spaces**](https://docs.p2pu.org/facilitation/set-up-your-space))
* **recurring meetings** (90 minutes/week for 6–8 weeks is a sweet spot for building a productive group culture without being alienating due to the time commitment; see [**Meeting Structure**](https://docs.p2pu.org/methodology/learning-circle-structure))
* **dedicated learning materials** (often an online course; see [**Choosing a Course**](https://docs.p2pu.org/courses/choosing-courses)) 

Interested in starting your own learning circle? Read on!

{% content-ref url="methodology/learning-circle-checklist" %}
[learning-circle-checklist](https://docs.p2pu.org/methodology/learning-circle-checklist)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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This knowledge base is maintained by [Peer 2 Peer University](https://www.p2pu.org/en/) (aka P2PU), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining learning circle communities in public spaces around the world. [Learn more about us.](https://www.p2pu.org/en/about/)

All materials in this guide are licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons [BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode) license. You are free to download (click "Export as PDF" at the top right of any page), distribute, remix, and re-host these contents.


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