Why Are We Meeting? Purpose-First Agenda-Setting

Outline

Content Component: grounding/launch of session 
Time: 5 minutes
Process: Turn and Talk with a partner about (1) being frustrated as a participant in a meeting, and (2) being frustrated as a facilitator of a meeting

Content Component: Infinitive agenda-setting
Time: 5 minutes
Process: Direct Teach how the use of infinitives on agendas (“to ____”) has the potential to significantly change meeting outcomes and participant engagement

Content Component: short text reading
Time: 15 minutes
Process: In small groups of 6-10, participants will read a text furnished through the online Participant Guide and use a discussion protocol called Text Rendering. This text outlines the infinitive agenda-setting method. Text Rendering also offers participants a process to use in a meeting to increase engagement.

Content Component: furnished agenda
Time: 8 minutes
Process: Participants will use a provided agenda from an elementary school and practice the method, then see the results from the actual principal who transformed her agenda.

Content Component: self-chosen agenda
Time: 15 minutes
Process: Participants will choose an agenda from one of their own meetings and apply the method.

Content Component: cultural impact 
Time: 5 minutes
Process: Participants will hear the voices (4 minutes of video clips) of teachers at a middle school where this concept was embraced, indicating the culture building which happens when teacher’s time is respected.

Content Component: Closing
Time: 5 minutes
Process: A return to the opening outcomes close the session.

Supporting research

Van Soelen, T. M. (2022). Meeting goals: Protocols for leading effective, purpose-driven discussions in schools. Solution Tree.