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Open Space Technology

A tool for promoting intra-space conversations

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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)

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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The fourfold way of effective participation

Show up

Be present

Tell the truth

Let it all go

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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

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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

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How? Four easy steps…

1. State the theme

2. Describe the process

3. Create the Bulletin Board

4. Open the Market Place

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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 classroomsThis is your opportunity to have an intellectual discussion around the issues near and dear to your

heart. Enjoy!

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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.

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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:

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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.

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Today…

Be back in Albrecht at 3:00

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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?