Member, Weekly Discussion Leader and Coordinator Roles

About the Study Group Members

Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute pursue the pleasures of study and the exchange of ideas through active participation in peer-led groups. Here are some guidelines:

Before Each Session

• Read all assigned material and discussion questions carefully and purposefully.
• Think about the ideas, arguments, theses, or views presented in the selection.
• Make notes and identify questions you might want to explore.

During Each Session

• Speak freely. Successful peer learning depends on the contributions of all group members.
• Some discussion leaders may have procedures such as raising of hands. Respect all procedures which are in effect.
• Listen actively and with respect to the ideas and opinions of others.
• Stick to the topic or issue under discussion.
• Refrain from private discussion while someone "has the floor."
• Abstain from monopolizing or dominating the discussion. If someone has already made your point, you do not need to repeat it.

About the Weekly Discussion Leaders

Weekly study group discussion leaders stimulate lively and orderly discussion based on the assigned material and the goals of the discussion. The discussion leader must know the assigned material very well in order to be prepared for the discussion session.

Being a weekly discussion leader is not required for new members, but it is strongly recommended for all others at least once a semester. Virtually all members report that they learned the most about their subject the week(s) they led the discussion. Discussion leaders should not take sides but rather draw out the various points of view, not trying for total agreement but rather an expression of all sides of an issue. They must remember that different types of study groups may have different discussion elements.

About the Coordinators

We doubt you'll find more enthusiastic, vibrant individuals than our volunteer coordinators. Their journey through life has taken them to virtually every corner of the earth and their curiosity influences many in OLLI who have participated in the study groups they conceive and facilitate.

Our coordinators are members of OLLI like you, who enjoy the program and are willing to do more. They conceive study group topics, select the material to be used and provide the syllabus. When a text is used, the coordinators have researched its selection and are thoroughly familiar with its content. Although discussion leaders change from week to week, coordinators keep the course focused on the objectives stated in the catalog.