OS In Education

[Fr Brian S Bainbridge]

To anyone interested :
I have four short stories.
1.      Used OS in a huge multi-campus in-service fro Catholic High
School Staffs at four related/interconnected coleges.  One day program.
Much discussion and some very hairy/thorny matters raised and gotten onto
the agenda for consideration by Board and other appropriate authorities.
Many teachers very delighted with the day - some used their feet and went
home, which was better still for those remaining.  Two (of four)
Principals fairly uncomfortable with the "out-of-control" eventuality,
but grudgingly admitted it "was a most interesting and surprising" event.
Much follow-on has occurred, though no great attribution to the day -
it's osmosis, I think.
2. Small school staff in-service exercise, spread over three one-hour
periods across as many weeks.  Did the intro of OS at the first session
and then simply took up the next sessions as though there had been a
"lunch break".  They revelled in it and considered matters that mattered
to them - and were surprised how easy that had been, and how useful and
evocative of ideas.  Similar pattern the following year (1998) and I
expect it will happen again in 1999.  It was amazingly easy for them to
pick up the thread again after a week of delay.
3.      A "Parent Consultation" tonight with some 60+ parents and some
staff from a Catholic High School, looking at "WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR THE
COMING YEAR", from which the school authorities will then build the next
year's plan and feed it back to the group in a couple of months.  The
Open Space will last about two and a half hours.  And there will be nice
surprises, as there always are.
4.      Used Open Space for the opening staff day at a private college
beginning day for all staff (about 100) on "BEING YOUR BEST AT THIS
COLLEGE".  Great development of spirit under new leadership and many
ideas generated which have now been implemented.
Just some grist to add to the thought mill.
Cheers and blessings,   BRIAN.