wonderful conversation..... Doug brings up the concept of teacher..... In OST I do not think of myself as a teacher. In teaching there is lecturing, waiting for the teachable moment, putting something out there and waiting for discovery learning. Even in teaching using OST, I would provide articles in prevailing theory in an area, conflicting views, ask students to read them and then convene an OST meeting. My experience has been that providing the relevant material, for the most part, was enough. Yes, I answered questions or brought someone else in to answer questions on occasion.
When I facilitate an OST meeting for an organization or community, I truly believe that the expertise is in the room. I work very had at avoiding the teachable moments and imposing my perceived "expertise" on the group. Yes, depending on the situation, I will answer questions on process, etc. In some cases sponsors may choose me because I have some background in the area. At those times, I practice asking myself "is this serving my need or theirs" before I get involved. Do I have a need to display my expertise here? Will my sharing information outside of process "close" the space for those gathered here? And those kinds of questions guide my holding space. It tests my true belief in "whoever comes is the right people". And, as some of you have pointed out, the facilitator is there too. And just walking in the room as a facilitator can cause "authority" vibes...... Every time I facilitate using OST, I am taken to the edge of my beliefs and am holding space for myself as well. Thanks for the great conversation all.... J * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html