Always a good conversation, this one.
My experience is that some people can learn from the book, others best
learn experientially (doing and being, and by interacting with
others), others learn through the sharing and telling of stories, and
so on.
Some of our ways of 'teaching' Open Space involve all of these.
Some of our workshops focus specifically on the inner work of holding
space, some of us teach the logistics and 'nuts-and-bolts', some
explore elements of invitation and inclusion, some do not.
Just like anything you may be interested in spending some money on -
it's a great thing to investigate - to find out if the contents and
workshop style fit one's needs, expectations, desired outcomes and
learning styles.
I figure it's all good if the learner wants to do it, if it is made
accessible to the learner, and if nobody implies that you need to go
to anybody's training in order to be able to do Open Space.
I myself do not call it a training except when using that universally-
understood word will best communicate. I call my workshops Open Space
Learning Workshops - because we are always learning, from one another.
I feel that -implying- that one needs to earn a certificate in order
to be able to do Open Space reduces universal access and inclusion.
It would mean that you have to get somewhere specific, pay something
specific and somehow be measured or approved or complete something in
order to facilitate Open Space.
However I have found that in some cultures and countries people really
need to show official-looking paperwork and documentation. In those
cases, upon request, I will create a custom-made certificate for
someone with whatever they feel is useful on there. More like a
certificate of having taken a course than a certificate of mastery,
for example. Because I feel that Open Space - like life - is lifelong
learning - learning from each other at all levels rather than a
'mastery' situation.
I also feel strongly that anyone who wishes to come to a workshop to
learn Open Space should be able to, regardless of level of income -
it's the access thing.
So for my own workshops I offer several levels of pricing including a
pay-whatever-is-the-most-that-you-can price set by the learner. I
also locate the workshops where there are public transit options,
super-low-cost accommodation, and more - so learners with lower
financial abilities can feel as much ease coming to a learning
experience as the others.
What do others do?
Lisa
Lisa Heft
Consultant, Facilitator, Educator
Opening Space
lisah...@openingspace.net
www.openingspace.net
Ask me about the Open Space Learning Workshops - October 15-18, 2010 -
Medellin, Colombia and December 15-17, 2010 - San Francisco
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