Institute of Cultural Affairs: USA

The Art of Focused Conversation for Schools
Over 100 Ways to Guide Clear Thinking and Promote Learning
Jo Nelson

The pressure upon educators to teach more to a wider range and number of students with decreasing resources and supports makes it urgent to find tools to answer the questions of "Why donít kids learn?", "Why can't they seem to do higher order thinking?" "Why does it take so long to create good lesson plans?" "Why do we have endless staff meetings with few results?"

This new "how to" book from Jo Nelson of ICA Associates Inc. demonstrates the many and varied uses of the Focused Conversation Method in an educational setting.

The Art of Focused Conversation for Schools is similar in format to the highly successful Art of Focused Conversation: 100 Ways to Access Wisdom in the Workplace

Part 1 is about theory and practice.

Introduces the method
Examines the context for learning in the 21st century
Gives solid background and theory
Explains the method
Helps you prepare a conversation.
Provides tips on how to lead a conversation.
Shares experience on dealing with difficulties.

Part 2 provides sample conversations that are specific to an educational environment such as:

Making learning meaningful
Effective communications in meetings and group work
Preventing and solving problems
Evaluating learning
Creative applications for a variety of situations

Each chapter deals with interactions with students, staff, parents and community.