The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomena and characteristics
of knowledge sharing among the members of lifelong learning circles. For this
purpose, the investigators conducted a focus group interview to collect data and
analyzed the collected data through open, axial, and selective coding method
according to the grounded theory.
The knowledge sharing among the members of lifelong learning circles was
dynamically expansive learning process. The process was that knowledge
sharing model were made up the purpose of lifelong learning circle that is a
contextual condition, causal conditions for topic-related learning, intervening
conditions for facilitation & hindrance, action/interaction of knowledge sharing
activities, and resulting in flow and expanding learning.
The members of lifelong learning circles shared not only object explicit
knowledge but also their individual know-how and trivial experiences as
knowledge and that there were opinion agreement and expansion, commitment,
and positive acceptance of new learning in case of active knowledge sharing. In
addition, the factors to facility or hinder knowledge sharing activities were
classified according to members, lifelong learning circle, and environment.