AI Certificate Program at NTL www.ntl.org
A note from Jane Watkins:
The certificate program most closely connected with the originator of AI
(David Cooperrider) and several of us who have been pioneers in the field
(Bernard Mohr and I wrote the book that is used to teach AI in universities
and for workshops) is the one offered by the NTL Institute of Applied
Behavioral Sciences - the organization whose founders created the field of
OD; and, Case Western Reserve University, where David is on the faculty.
Case has the 1st PhD program ever offered in Organization Behavior that some
of NTL's founders helped establish in 1960. That may be more information
than you need! Anyway, it is a Certificate program for organization
development practitioners and others who want to use AI in their work
(coaching, org change, etc.) Case also offers a program that focuses on
executives and managers who want to use AI in their organizations.
The program includes 6 workshops -- 4 required & 2 electives. Required: NTL's
Traditional HumanInteraction Lab done from an Appreciative perspective; Designing
Experience Based Learning from an AI perspective; Foundations of AI; and a Practicum
were you learn about Consulting practice, contracting and other "Consultation Skills"
with real clients. There are several other courses (and more being added) that are
electives from which participants choose the additional two. This summer we are piloting
the AI for Coaching; and AI for Teambuilding. Included in the program is a gathering at
Bethel in the summer when AI practitioners and interested others come to Maine for an
open space time of sharing and learning together.
Participants enroll in the course as a "Cohort" -- a group that goes through
the courses together. Courses are also open to others who are interested in
a single workshop or several but do not want to go through the whole
program. Also, if a participant is not able to attend every session with
his/her cohort, they are free to make up the workshop at any time -- being
aware that some of these sessions need to be taken before others!
I hope this helps. The 1st cohort began last July with the AIHI (Human
Interaction from an AI perspective) and they have had a wonderful year
together. The second cohort begins this July with the AIHI in Bethel in
July.
Finally, the gathering in Maine this summer takes place in Bethel (NTL's
summer campus) from the evening of July 29 through the evening of August 1
(or morning of August 2). Information about this will be on the NTL website
as well in the next couple of weeks.
If you find the website as daunting as I do, just pick up the phone and call
them. The toll free number is 1-800-777-5227. If I can be of further help,
let me know.
Appreciatively,
Jane
Appreciative Inquiry Unlimited
Jane Magruder Watkins
Ralph Kelly
233A Woodmere Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Office: 757-259-9942
Mobile: 757-897-0404
<http://www.appreciativeinquiryunlimited.com>
www.appreciativeinquiryunlimited.com
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1. No matter how much experience you have, this course will knock your
socks off!
2. You are welcome to do the whole Track or any of the courses
separately. The track starts mid-July; New courses on AI & Coaching; AI &
Teambuilding are end of July.
3. The Summer AI Gathering (aka the Bethel AI Schmoose) is July 29
start with dinner through a party the evening of August 1. All are welcome
to come hang out with interesting folk and/or to offer a session on the open
space agenda.
4. The NTL web site is www.ntl.org and the
number is above. Info on the Bethel gathering will be posted mid-April.
Comments from a participant in the NTL/CASE AI Certificate Program:
As a member of the first group to participate in the NTL-Case Western Certificate
Program Jane Magruder Watkins wrote about, I can say that it's been a rich, unique, and
for some of us a life-changing experience. I recommend the program highly, and if
you're interested in a participant's point of view would be happy to answer questions on
or off-line.
For me, and others, it's been one of those experiences that integrates life and practice
and can't help changing and enriching both. The trainers are superb. Those we've
worked with and learned from so far include Jane, Liz Workman, Barbara Sloan, Tom
Osborn, Walt Hopkins, and Bernard Mohr. We've also had time to talk with David
Cooperrider. Need I say more?
Prior to enrolling in the certificate program, I'd been through two foundations courses
and a weekend retreat with Jane and had integrated AI heavily into my consulting and
writing practices. Even so, the program has enriched and transformed my practice, taking
it to greater depths of awareness, integration, and effectiveness. The course in
Experiential Learning Design is PHENOMENAL, like no other course, workshop, or
training I've ever attended. Of course, each course builds on the others as does the
experience of going through the program as part of a learning community.
This weekend we travel to DC to participate in the practicum experience. If you can
find a way to dedicate the time and funds for the program, it's just one of those amazing
experiences that has the potential of changing and enriching your life and practice.
With Appreciation,
Jody Jacobson
Jacobson & Associates
Tapping into the core to spark creativity, change, and innovation...
2133 Fox Avenue
Madison, WI 53711
(p) 608.347.9961
(f) 608.204.0039
jodyjacobson@sbcglobal.net