Free Workshop: From an Idea to a Proposal

Do you have an idea for a study group but are not sure how to proceed? This workshop is designed as a hands-on experience on how to turn an idea into a proposal and a successful study group. This workshop is for:

 *  Members who have an idea for a study group, but are not sure what to do next
 *  Those who have co-coordinated but did not participate in all aspects of planning, therefore have questions about offering their own study group.

We will assist you to write and then refine your study group description, to complete the proposal form, and to construct your syllabus. We will also briefly explore how to identify engaging resources.

Participants are expected to bring at least one idea that they would like to develop. There is no text for this workshop; participants should come to the workshop with their study group idea and book (or other course material you plan to use), as well as a preliminary written description of your idea. We will look at each person’s study group write-up, then as a group we will discuss and offer constructive suggestions to help refine that idea. Next, we’ll work through the process of transferring the ideas into the proposal software system. We’ll also discuss ideas for finding a co-coordinator for your study group if you don't have one, as each fall and spring study group is expected to have two coordinators. We’ll also briefly discuss developing the syllabus for your study group. Our goal is for participants to end the workshop with a fully developed study group proposal ready to submit for spring term.

We will not discuss at this workshop how to use Augusoft and MyOLLI as a coordinator, nor coordinator responsibilities and classroom management techniques once the study group begins. Those topics are discussed in the New Coordinator Orientation workshop which is required for all new coordinators prior to the beginning of the spring term.

HOSTED BY THE OLLI CHICAGO STUDY GROUP COMMITTEE