From Rows to a Circle: How Circle Practice Transforms our Pedagogy in a Learner-Driven Classroom with Carol LaLiberte

What do you picture when you envision a typical classroom?

You probably think of desks in rows facing a blackboard or podium, which is reserved for the “sage on the stage” teacher.

But what if we were to change the physical environment and invite learners to sit in a circle with the adult facilitator? How would this shift in our prepared environment alter our pedagogy and our view of learners and learning?

We explored these questions and more in this episode of Breaking the Paradigm with my guest, Carol LaLiberte. Carol is a Professor and Department Chair at CT State Community College at Asnuntuck and has been breaking the paradigm by using circle practice in her college classes. She is also my mom (her most important qualification)!

We discuss the theoretical and pedagogical considerations for implementing circle practice across K-12 and higher education and the practical ways in which we have both implemented the philosophy. We unpack how small things, like the rearranging of chairs, can have a significant impact on learners and learning, and the relationship between the teacher (or guide) and their students.

You can check out Carol’s new book, The Developing Teacher, here: https://www.g-w.com/the-developing-teacher-2025

If you’d like to learn more about circle practice, here are some places to get started:

The Circle Way: https://www.thecircleway.net/

Phillips Exeter Academy Harkness Resources: https://www.exeter.edu/programs-educators/harkness-outreach

Alexis Wiggins, The Best Class You Never Taught: https://ascd.org/books/the-best-class-you-never-taught?variant=117017

Photo from Phillips Exeter Academy

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If this resonates with you, we are always looking for schools and individuals to join our cohort of educators who are building community and resilience together. Cohorts start in the Fall and Winter.

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