Participation is what study circles are all about. Participants must be willing to "own" the study circle, to set goals and work toward them and to take responsibility for their own learning. The organizer sets up the study circle and the facilitator guides the discussion while the participants cooperate to make it work.

Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your study circle experience. They apply to a range of study circle situations.

* Make a good effort to attend every session of the program. The group process works best when the members become familiar with each other. You will get more out of it if you keep up with the discussion and the reading.

* Listen carefully to others. Make notes so you can concentrate on listening rather than on what you want to say next. You learn from listening to the others and you have to listen to keep up with what's being said.

* Take your turn and pass it on. Give others a chance to speak. It is important for everyone to be heard.

* Help keep the discussion on topic. Make sure your comments are relevant and make them while they are pertinent.

* Address your remarks to the group rather than the facilitator. Question other participants to find out more about their ideas.

* Communicate your needs to the facilitator. He/she is responsible for summarizing key ideas and seeking clarification of points. You will not be the only one who doesn't understand what someone has said.

* Do take part in the discussion. Everyone in the group has unique experience and knowledge. This variety makes the discussion interesting. Don't feel pressured to speak before you are ready but realize that your contribution is valuable.

* Engage in friendly disagreement. Challenge ideas and opinions you disagree with and expect to have to explain your own. Humour and a pleasant manner help you make your points and keep the disagreements friendly. There is no place here for rudeness or belligerence.

* Respect the position of those who disagree with you. Strive to understand their point of view. Making a good case for positions you disagree with makes you better understand your own.

* Keep an open mind. This is your chance to explore ideas you may not have considered before. You gain nothing by stubbornly sticking to the points you made earlier.