1. Open Space Technology A tool for promoting intra-space conversations

2. Afternoon’s objectives • To provide our interns the opportunity to have meaningful dialogue regarding topics of interest to them • To demonstrate a unique way to facilitate such discussions (i.e., Open Space Technology)

3. Activity’s time sequence • Orientation to Open Space Technology(Albrecht  1:30-2:00) • Introduction • Generation of questions/topics related to stated theme • Clumping like-minded questions/topics • “Having the conversations”(Various locations  2:00-3:00) • Wrap-up (Albrecht  3:00-3:30) • Individual and group reflection & sense-making

4. The origins of OST… • In the 1980s, H.H. Owen started exploring how he could combine the synergy & excitement present in the meetings that happen within meetings… • During coffee breaks • In the hallways • In the parking lot after a meeting • At the social gathering after the meeting. • His exploration was eclectic: West African villages, Native American traditions, the wisdom of the East

5. Owen’s assumptions about what works in organizations? • If the boss orders it, not much will get done. • The best way to get something done is to give it to those who have a passion for it.

6. The four principles of effective meetings • Whomever comes are the right people • Whatever happens is the only thing that could have • Whenever the conversation starts is the right time • When it is over, it is over…let it go.

7. The fourfold way of effective participation • Show up • Be present • Tell the truth • Let it all go

8. Open Space Technology means… • No predetermined speakers of topics • Instead, there are interest-based conversations • As a group, we generate the topics for discussion • As an individual, you select the topic for which you feel passion

9. Open Space Technology means… In an ideal world… • The location for the discussions is open and decided by the group • Time allotments are flexible, allowing for conversations to typically last approximately 45 minutes In the real world, logistics often demand… • Predetermined meeting spaces • Finite amounts of discussion time

10. How? Four easy steps… • State the theme • Describe the process • Create the Bulletin Board • Open the Market Place

11. Today’s session theme The learning of a CGU intern: The learning of the scholar practitioner • Learning and the teaching/learning process • Learning that stems from assignments/readings • Learning that’s happened in your classrooms This is your opportunity to have an intellectual discussion around the issues near and dear to your heart. Enjoy!

12. Process • For what topic or question do you have passion as it relates to the stated theme? • Write the topic/question on a post-it. Sign it. • Place your post-its on the “Bulletin Board.” (In this case, hand it to a Faculty Advisor.) • Post-its will be read, and groups will be formed and titled by topic.

13. Room assignments • Albrecht: • Stauffer 110: • McManus 35: • McManus 33: • McManus 31: • Harper 1: • Harper 53: • Harper 61: • Harper 63: • Harper 65: • Harper 2: • ACB 211:

14. The Marketplace is open • Find the discussion that most interests you. • Along with others, select a discussion location. (Post this location so others can join the group.) • Have the conversation.

15. Today… • Be back in Albrecht at 3:00

16. Thoughts on OST? • How did the discussions go? • How could you use Open Space in your classroom? • English • Spanish • Math • Science • Social Studies • Multiple Subject?