Iowa Experiential Education Symposium

January 11 and 12, 2013

ISU Extension and Outreach - Polk County Office
1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A

Altoona, Iowa

Pre-Conference Workshops

January 8-10, 2013

Post Conference Workshops

January 14-16, 2013

Conference Overview

The Symposium is a (2) two-day event with a variety of sessions created through the "Open Space" process. 

Open Space is an incredible meeting methology that has been effective for 30+ years in a variety of settings, cultures and countries. Through Open Space we create structure from chaos. Groups self-organize, share and create amazing conversations. Open Space gives everyone a chance to use their voice to ask for what they need and/or share their knowledge and experience.

As a participant in Open Space, you will take an active role in your own learning and you will have unique power and responsibility to make sure others get the learning they need.  In Open Space, you create the agenda and convene sessions that are relevant to YOU in the moment.

We are pleased to have Tom Leahy of Leahy & Associates facilitate this process for us. Tom has been using this methodology for 20 years at his own annual UnConference in Boulder and with various other professional groups.

Ask yourself: What areas of expertise can I offer my peers? What burning topics or questions do I want addressed?

Come to Open Space with your expertise and questions as we create an environment of sharing and abundance. Trust the process!

Session Descriptions

There are four types of sessions and each is 1 to 2 hours in length.  Because the sessions are created during the Full Conference as part of the Open Space method, no descriptions are available prior to the start of the conference.  We guarantee however, that what you're coming to learn about will likely be available - all you have do is ask! 

The following description is the intellectual knowledge of Tom and Jennifer Leahy:

Presentation: A session by a person with expertise who has come prepared to do a session, perhaps even including handouts, overheads, videos, props, etc...

Workshop: A session by a person with expertise who may be responding to a request by another participant. While this type of session may not be as polished as the "presentation" above, these tend to be passionate and frank opportunities for the sharing of information.

Discussion: This type of session is much more free form. The convener agrees to facilitate a discussion by a group of participants who have chosen to meet to share their experiences or voice their concerns on a particular topic.

Fun Stuff: Games, activities, ice breakers, new stuff, old stuff, with or without props, and attempts to break world records in "Ricochet". The only requirement here is that it's active and fun.

The Symposium runs from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day. Check in on the first day will begin at 7:00 am.

Conference Schedule

Friday, January 11th

7:00-8:00 am                      Registration

8:00-10:50                           Open Space

11:00-11:50                         Workshop 1

12:00-1:00pm                     Lunch Break, lunch is on your own

1:00-1:50                              Workshop 2

2:00-2:50                              Workshop 3

3:00-3:50                              Workshop 4

4:00-4:50                              Workshop 5

6:00-9:00                              Dinner & Keynote Speaker (pre-registration is required)

Saturday, January 12th

7:00-8:00 am                      Registration

8:00-8:30                              Opening

8:30-9:50                              Open Space

10:00-10:50                         Workshop 6

11:00-11:50                         Workshop 7

12:00-1:00pm                     Lunch Break, lunch is on your own

1:00-1:50                              Workshop 8

2:00-2:50                              Workshop 9

3:00-3:50                              Workshop 10

4:00-5:00                              Closing

Download the Registration Form for information on how to register for the Symposium (January 11-12), Pre-Conference (January 8-10), and Post-Conference (January 14-16) opportunities. 

If you have questions about the Symposium, contact Melissa O'Neil at 515-957-5767, or if you have questions about registration, contact Barbara LeTourneau at 515-957-5776.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF

Evening Activites

To Be Determined

Pre-Conference  Workshops:

Pre-Conference and Post-Conference Workshops are intensive (1) one to (3) three day long workshops provided by a variety of presenters on various topics. Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops are not a result of the "Virtual Space" process.  These events are planned out in advance in order to enhance your “Open Space” experience.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF

The Inspired Educator by Jennifer Stanchfield, Experiential Tools

January 10th 8am-5pm

Location: Polk County Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Dr., Ste. A, Altoona, IA 50009

Price:  $75 per participant, $50 with 2-Day Conference Registration

Participants: max 50

Program Description:

Join in this fun and interactive workshop and learn ways to motivate learners, inspire a sense of discovery, instill a desire to learn, and create a positive and supportive learning community. This workshop offers a variety of brain-based approaches that involve students emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. These methods will help you facilitate meaningful dialogue and reflection in the classroom, develop social and emotional skills, and review and reinforce academic content in novel and engaging ways.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF

Servant Leadership by  Alan Feirer, Group Dynamic

January 10th 8am-5pm

Location: Polk County Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Dr., Ste. A, Altoona, IA 50009

Price: $75 per participant, $50 with 2-Day Conference Registration

Participants: max 50

Program Description:

The interactive workshop will deliver an 8-point servant leadership curriculum.  While the content is research-based, delivery will be fast-paced and high-energy.  Through story, discussion, and activity, participants will cover these areas of leadership:

Service
Vision
Integrity
Communication
Modeling
Self-Improvement
Positivity
Passion