When the group no longer meets its own needs, so to speak, it either evolves or dissolves. The group might last a month or two, or a year or two. Understanding how these seminal learning clubs function may help others develop models for successful cooperative community learning centers. Alternative and conventional educators may be able to apply the common elements of these richly varied clubs in other learning venues. This chapter explores the workings of learning clubs.
Families naturally get together to explore common interests, socialize, discuss, debate, celebrate.
These casual associations can fairly be described as homeschool learning clubs. Families often do not think of themselves as belonging to a club, nor do they consider that they are doing anything special. Like good food, plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise, learning clubs are one more thing that good parents make available to their families. The public invisibility of learning clubs is a sign of their enormous success. It should be noted, however, that invisibility is not a requirement.