Become A Study Group Leader

OLLI - WHERE CURIOSITY NEVER RETIRES

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at American University (OLLI at AU) is dedicated to the proposition that learning is a lifelong process and that curiosity never retires. Classes at OLLI are called “Study Groups,” and instructors, “Study Group Leaders.” This is because what makes OLLI unique is the basic concept of peer learning and teaching. Members come from varied backgrounds, and what they have in common is genuine interest in continuing their learning experiences and intellectual stimulation in an organization of like-minded people. Members participate fully in study groups, either by leading them or attending them. 

TEACHING FOR OLLI AT AU

OLLI always welcomes new Study Group Leaders from within the OLLI membership and from the Washington, DC community who would like to share their knowledge and passion with members. There are no tests and no grades; members participate purely for the joy of learning. The goal is a high-quality learning experience accessible to all.

Before each fall and spring semester, new Study Group Leaders are required to attend a two-session Study Group Leader Orientation. The topics covered in the orientation include general logistics, OLLI’s unique population of learners, planning and organizing a study group, classroom management, sharpening presentation skills, and using audio/visual equipment in the classrooms. Prior Study Group Leaders are also welcome to attend, and may choose to attend both sessions, or just the technology training portion.

study group leader benefits

As OLLI is primarily a volunteer led organization, Study Group Leaders teach on a volunteer basis. We provide several benefits for teaching:

• Free membership/classes either the semester in which Study Group Leaders teach or the following one
• Parking stipend
• Special recognition at OLLI’s annual volunteer appreciation gala
• Access to AU’s Bender Library

OLLI has three types of programming from which Study Group Leaders can choose to teach:

• Fall Semester (Sept-Nov) and Spring Semester (Mar-May) - study groups meet once a week for 8-10 weeks
• February Shorts and July Shorts - study groups meet 3-5 times over the course of one week
• June Minis - study groups meet once a week for 4 weeks

Study groups meet for 90 minutes during one of three time frames: 9:45-11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., or 1:45-3:15 p.m. Class sizes range from 120 in lecture format to 10 in small discussion groups.

propose a study group

If you would like to propose a study group for OLLI at AU, please click here. You will need to create a user name and password if you’re not already an OLLI member. This enables you to complete the online form, which is then sent to the OLLI office. Both the Curriculum Committee and Board of Directors review the proposals and approve the study groups to be offered.

Proposal submission deadlines:

Spring Semester/February Shorts – End of November

June Minis/July Shorts – First week of April

Fall semester – First week of May

*If you do not see the academic session listed on the proposal form in which you are interested, please contact the individual from the curriculum committee (listed below) for the academic area in which your study group would belong. He/she will get in touch with you when the proposal period opens for that session.