Academic AoH

[Ria Baeck]

This was a most inspiring thread on the AoH emaillist late '09. In the comments below you will find some resources; and a lot of interest to get the facts and theory together. And stories are shared about how AoH has been applied within universities. Please add your resources too!
In the meantime a Research Group has formed on this site, you are welcome to join!

This is how it started:
Hi Folks,

I am just off the phone with a fellow who is cutting paths for participatory leadership and art of hosting at McGill university. He is looking for articles and books that will hold credibility in the academic arena that make the case and/or tell the story of this type of approach ...

any recommendations?

Tim

[Rowan]

Conversations makes us happier
- From the NY Times: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/talk-deeply-be-happy/

March 17, 2010, 2:34 pm
Talk Deeply, Be Happy?
By RONI CARYN RABIN

Would you be happier if you spent more time discussing the state of the world and the meaning of life — and less time talking about the weather?

It may sound counterintuitive, but people who spend more of their day having deep discussions and less time engaging in small talk seem to be happier, said Matthias Mehl, a psychologist at the University of Arizona who published a study on the subject.

“We found this so interesting, because it could have gone the other way — it could have been, ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ — as long as you surf on the shallow level of life you’re happy, and if you go into the existential depths you’ll be unhappy,” Dr. Mehl said.

But, he proposed, substantive conversation seemed to hold the key to happiness for two main reasons: both because human beings are driven to find and create meaning in their lives, and because we are social animals who want and need to connect with other people.

“By engaging in meaningful conversations, we manage to impose meaning on an otherwise pretty chaotic world,” Dr. Mehl said. “And interpersonally, as you find this meaning, you bond with your interactive partner, and we know that interpersonal connection and integration is a core fundamental foundation of happiness.” ...[MORE]


Rick Livingston
Associate Director
Institute for Collaborative Research
and Public Humanities
Ohio State University
614-247-6763

[Jennifer Lea Burrows]

I am interested in the educational application of the Art of Hosting techniques. What would happen if the teacher took up the role of host? Does anyone have experience or information on the use of Open Space or World Cafe as a teaching method? What about using the methods in an on-line environment?

 

Any assistance would be appriciated!

 

Jennifer