The term 'study circle', 'learning circle' and other derivations are often used to describe a range of approaches to small group discussions.

The Australian Study Circles Network bases its approach on the community wide study circle program model.

To understand this approach, it is useful to look at what 'study circles' are not.

Study circles are not...

A focus group

These are usually organised to gather or test information from members. Respondents are sometimes paid and are often recruited because they represent a particular viewpoint or target audience. Participation may not be open to everyone.

A discussion group

Small but may not accept anyone, often homogenous - similar minded people and it does not necessarily focus on important and controversial issues.  They may not have Discussion Guides and are not structured nor aim for action outcomes. They also may not run for a set amount of sessions.

Traditional education or training

Often compulsory, even if informal or student centered. A teacher or expert imparts knowledge to often large numbers of students. There is a set curriculum, examinations and tests and financial costs.

A facilitated meeting

Such as a committee or board meeting, where goals and agendas are established ahead of time, predetermined outcomes, sometimes formal, compulsory and often adversarial.

A public hearing or public meeting

Begins with specific desired outcomes, large numbers of people, debate, formalities and a Chair controls proceedings. There is little opportunity to formulate ideas and share with others.

Conflict resolution

A set of principles and techniques used in resolving conflict between individuals or groups and often compulsory (although these techniques can be used in study circle facilitation).

Mediation

A compulsory process used to settle disputes and relies on an outside neutral person to help the disputing parties come to an agreement (although mediators are often good study circle facilitators).

Other descriptions of what a study circle is can be found at:

http://www.acstudycircles.org/the-study-circle.html

http://www.pbs.org/ampu/sc.html

https://www3.secure.griffith.edu.au/03/toolbox/display_tool.php?pk1=10

http://www.iearn.org/circles/lcguide/p.intro/a.intro.html