Lernzirkel

Lernzirkel is a didactic format used in German-speaking education to promote collaborative, self-directed learning. Small groups of learners work together on a set of tasks arranged in a sequence or at stations, designed to explore a topic from multiple perspectives. The stations typically correspond to different aspects or skills, such as concept clarification, application, or evaluation. The aim is to develop understanding through structured, active learning and peer teaching.

In a typical Lernzirkel, groups of three to five students meet in a supervised setting. At the start, the learning goal and the tasks are explained. Students then work at stations for a fixed time, rotating roles each round: a facilitator who keeps the group on task, a researcher who looks up information, a presenter who records findings, and a reviewer who checks understanding. Documentation is often kept in a learning diary or on a shared worksheet. After completing all stations, groups present results to the class, followed by feedback and reflection. This structure supports metacognition, communication, and the ability to articulate reasoning.

The method emphasizes collaborative problem solving and differentiation. It allows teachers to observe process-oriented competences and to provide targeted support. Challenges include coordinating time, designing well-balanced tasks, and managing group dynamics. Success depends on clear instructions, adequate resources at each station, and effective role rotation. Lernzirkel are used across subjects in primary and secondary education, as well as in professional development, and relate to station-based learning and other forms of cooperative learning.