3 Open Space Technology A tool for promoting intra-space conversations

4 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)

5 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

6 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

7 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.

8 The four principles of effective meetings 1. Whomever comes are the right people 2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have 3. Whenever the conversation starts is the right time 4. When it is over, it is over…let it go.

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

10 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

11 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

12 How? Four easy steps… 1. State the theme 2. Describe the process 3. Create the Bulletin Board 4. Open the Market Place

13 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!

14 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.

15 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:

16 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.

17 Today… Be back in Albrecht at 3:00

18 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?