Future Workshops
Social Construction, Relational Theory and Change Practices
Date to be determined. Usually in May or June.
Location: Wallingford, PA,
Presenters: Ken and Mary Gergen
In this workshop participants are introduced to social constructionism and the relational perspective with which it is closely related. In addition, numerous practical applications - in organizations, therapy, education, community development, and more - are explored. Special topics include language and meaning-making, poly-vocality, transformative dialogue, and values and spirituality. Participants with a background in social constructionism have an opportunity to explore issues of special relevance to their projects and practices. The workshop style is discussion and activity oriented, with time for walks and talks at nearby Swarthmore College. Meals are included in the registration. International visitors are especially welcomed.
Taos-Tilburg PHD entering students are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the social construction workshop offered. www.pendlehill.org You may inquire about the shuttle service from the nearby Philadelphia airport.
For more information contact: Mary Gergen at email: gv4@psu.edu; or call 610-566-1825.
Social Constructionist Inquiry and Research Practices
Date to be determined: May of 2013
Location: Calgary, Canada
Presenters: Sheila McNamee, Dan Wulff, Sally St. George
This workshop will focus on modes of inquiry that blur the traditional distinction between research and social change (e.g., consultation, program development, etc.). We will explore what research from a constructionist orientation looks like, how is it different and similar to traditional, empirical modes of inquiry, and how research informs the everyday practices of all participants. Emphasis will be given to the transformative potential of inquiry. In particular, participatory research, appreciative inquiry, action research, and autoethnography will be used to make the case for widening participation and involvement in research in order to maximize the relevance and accessibility of studies. This theme resonates with the constructionist call to recognize the ways in which all social action rests in a matrix of relationships with other actors.
During this workshop, time will be spent exploring participants' own "contexts of inquiry" and designing relational forms of practice that both serve the members of those contexts while contributing to our general understanding of a wide range of social practices. In other words, we will take workshop participants’ “research topics” and design methods for “producing research results” and understand them as importantly contributing to the process of local change and development.
To that end, this workshop will redefine research as an everyday practice with relevance beyond professional, scientific communities. This workshop is a valuable opportunity for students and practitioners engaged in research.
For information contact Sally St. George and Dan Wulff at: calgary_home@shaw.ca
Pathways to Publishing: a Writing Workshop
Identifying the Tools, Regimens and Processes of Writing for the Academic and Practitioner Scholars
Date to be determined.
Location: Southfield, Michigan
with Jackie M. Stavros, EDM, Associate Professor, Lawrence Technological University & Editor for Taos Institute Publications Focus Book Series
Academics and practitioners are faced with the need to research and write in order to succeed, whether at the academic level or as a tool for legitimacy at the practitioner level. This is a daunting challenge. The presenters of this workshop have been publishers in journals and writers and editors of books for the last decade. It is their goal to share their experience and techniques with the academic and practitioner who wish or must write in ways that provide opportunities for acceptance by those judging their writing as acceptable for publication.
The experience of the presenters is that writing can change your life—for the better, both in credibility, tenure, and self-worth. You must take the first step on the journey by gaining the confidence and energy to start.
This two-day workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of:
* The benefits and need to write a dissertation, in journals and book form
* The challenges of writing for practitioner and academic journals
* The process of starting with a research statement of purpose, series of questions and an outline for writing
* The experience of writing with a partner (co-writer)
* The differences between dissertation writing, journal writing and book writing
* The process of locating a journal or publisher for a book or book chapters
* The tools and techniques significant to writing for acceptance
This course provides a framework and tools to put your words on paper in academic and/or practitioner language. Students will be introduced to research and writing as a process. You will hear about competencies, principles and skills necessary to start or maintain your journey in writing, whether it is in writing your dissertation, writing for journals, or writing an innovative book.
For more information email jstavros@comcast.net.