Sand in Your Shoes!

A leisurely stroll on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the cool of the afternoon. Starfish & sand dollars gracefully floating on the surf... Does that sound like a scene you could enjoy? It is possible...
New View Publications offers intensive training sessions in Applied Control Theory on Hilton Head Is., SC Jan. 16-19, 2012. Understanding & using 'Control Theory' principles provide the skills necessary to find balance in life and "become the person you want to be" in any situation. Does that sound interesting or useful? Information about the sessions can be found at the New View website: http://www.newviewpublications.com/.

"The Gift That Keeps On Giving"

"Tis the Season" ...as the saying goes, but for what? A season to spread peace, love and joy and to give the gift that keeps on giving. “What gift is that?” you say. The ability to live your life in balance and survive an otherwise "wild & crazy world" is priceless. To be able to perceive the world around you in a way that makes sense and allows you to be in control of your actions is one of the best possible gifts you can ever receive.

"Where do you find such a gift" you ask? It can be opened during training sessions offered by New View Publications http://newviewpublications.com/ and Be-Print for Living, Inc. (http://www.be-print.net/) in the near future. Visit their websites for more information. January 16-19 finds New View hosting a session at Hilton Head, SC and Be-Print's session is in Charlotte, NC March 20-22. Both welcome any and all participants who are interested in learning more. The participatory sessions teach participants the basic concepts of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) and how to effectively apply them to one's daily life.

Life can be very stressful for many, particularly during this time of year. By understanding the application of PCT concepts, you have the opportunity to “be the person you want to be.” Join us so you too can unwrap that wonderful gift. You will keep it for a lifetime.
Life can be very stressful for many, particularly during this time of year. By understanding the applications of PCT concepts, you have the opportunity to be the person you want to be. Join us so you can unwrap that package.

PCT in 7 Minutes

Dr. Warren Mansell, University of Manchester (UK) has an excellent explanation of PCT in a "Rubber Band" YouTube video clip that can be found on the http://www.pctweb.org/. The premise of the clip is "You can't tell what someone is doing by watching what they are doing". The clip is a bit difficult to follow at first (low audio & excessive motion), but his explanation from midpoint on is clear & a very understandable. Mansell's study & research sheds new light on the broader subject of Control Theory. Clicking on the title above will take you directly to PCTweb.org.

Another linked YouTube clip "PCT & Cultural Evolution" by Dr. F. T. Cloak makes a visibly clear description of the "Loop" and Power's "Levels of Perception". The beginning of the 16 minute clip references several scientific studies, but quickly explains a simplified internal loop sequence. Following is a progression that clealy shows the interaction of Power's idnetified levels of perception.

Mansell's "PCTweb" site is comprehensive and an excellent reference for understanding PCT from many angles and perspectives.

The Surprising Power of Happiness

Recently, in a daily entry on the web page "RealAge.com" an article appeared that can easily relate to the basic tenets of PCT and a book by E. Perry Good "In Pursuit of Happiness" (New View Publications, 1987). The article discusses the relationship between a positive attitude and heart health. The article asserts that by employing a daily approach to life with a song like "Don't Worry Be Happy", individuals will live a healthier life.
Through an understanding of PCT and when you look at the theme of "In Pursuit of Happiness", one finds the way to establish that path for positive daily living. Check out the link to RealAge by clicking on the title above.

Successful Board Meeting Held

Sat., Sept. 10, 2011
The IAACT Board of Directors met for their 2011 annual meeting at the Tega Cay, SC Conference Center. The Board heard from senior faculty members about the origin of IAACT and the opportunities for sharing PCT in the near future. Several initiatives and new areas of growth were discussed. Members were presenteted with information on "Roles & Responsibilities of Non-Profit Boards of Directors". Application of this information to their roles as the IAACT Board was discussed.
The Board also undertook the development of Action Plans that will guide IAACT growth and activity in the near future. Many of the plans include the involvement of the current Faculty Leadership Committees and their perspective on where best to focus effort & emphasis. One of the more significant steps initiated was the addition of a 'General Membership' category. Details will be forthcoming. Stay tuned ...

A Breakfast for Mental Well-Being

I ran across an article today on RaelAge.com that speaks to positive thinking & outlook on life. The first couple of paragraphs are included below. Click on the title to see the full article. Live Healthy friends.

"Eating a good breakfast doesn't just get your body ready to face the day. It may boost your mental well-being, too. Especially if you choose yogurt.

Newly published research suggests that when you feed your gut fermented foods that contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium -- two strains of healthy bacteria found in some yogurts -- your brain ends up with an extra dose of happy-making neurochemicals, too.

From Belly to Brain So just how does healthy flora in your belly have an impact all the way up in your noggin? Apparently good bacteria can actually produce neurochemicals in the gut -- we're talking feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. And these chemicals, in turn, get taken up into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body, including the brain. The likely end result: improved psychological well-being."

For more healty news, go to http://www.realage.com/.

Meetings Announced

The IAACT Faculty Leadership Council (FLC) will meet by tele-conference Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 7:00 PM.

The annual 2011 Board of Directors meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Tega Cay Conference Center, Tega Cay, SC. The Board meeting begins at 10:00 AM. The site of the meeting will be announced this week.

Anyone interested in sharing information or asking question to the FLC or Board can contact Mark Southern at actnme@gmail.com.

The Pink Bat

Positive Perceptions Provide Possibilities!!! Enjoy & reflect on the Pink Bat (click on the title above).

CSG Announces Annual Meeting

The Control Systems Group (CSG) has announced the date & location for its 2011 conference. July 27-31 in Boulder, CO. are the date and location for CSG 2011. To receive more information about the upcoming CSG conference, please e-mail Allie at CSGconference2011@gmail.com.

CSG is "a membership organization dedicated to the application of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) in understanding the purposeful behavior of living organisms". The group's mission is to encourage the application of Perceptual Control Theory within existing disciplines and to foster communication and collaboration among disciplines. Check out the CSG web site listed above.

Fred Good, IAACT instructor and owner of New View Publication, is the current President of The CSG and Glenn Smith, IAACT senior faculty member, from Be-Print & Life Connections is the group's President-elect.

Summer Training Sessions

Several IAACT endorsed training sessions sponsored by New View Publicatons are being held this summer. Closed session weeks are being held in Fayetteville, Salisbury and Randolph County during June.

An Intensive Training session that is open to interested individuals or groups is being offered in Chapel Hill, NC Monday - Thursday, June 20-23. ACTs I, II & III are being offered. Space is available at this time for all three level courses.

Detailed information about the Chapel Hill event can be found at http://newviewpublications.com/index.cgi?product_id=ACT1_20110620_CH&cart_id=6083042_88103 .

Executive Director Named

President Glenn Smith announced this week the selection of IAACT's first Executive Director (ED). Mark Southern of Clemmons, NC was named to the position by a committee consisting of Board members and senior faculty. As ED, Southern will work as liaison between the Board of Directors and the Faculty Leadership Committe (FLC) in organizational matters, promote IAACT's mission, encourage active member participation on FLC committees, manage the day-to-day affairs and facilitate a strategic planning process that meets IAACT's growth goals.

Southern has been involved with IAACT for ten years first as a workshop participant, attained certification, participated in the Faculty-in-Training Boot Camps, and now provides training in a course titled "Rational Thinking in an Irrational World". Mark has been active in numerous IAACT activites and trainings in his time as an organization member. He brings to the position experience as an educator and long-time school administrator, successful sports coach and support group leader, advisor and facilitator for several organizations. Being actively involved as a deacon and teacher at his church, part-time technology facilitator for an elementary school in Winston-Salem and president of his son's lacrosse booster club (ASU) keeps Mark busy. However, his interest in the application of PCT in his own life and sharing that knowledge with others inspired him to offer his services to IAACT as Executive Director. Southern's motivational theme for IAACT is TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. He will encourage active member participation as an essential element for the healthy growth of IAACT.

Questions, suggestions and volunteering to serve on IAACT committees are encouraged. Contact Mark at actnme@gmail.com, msouthern6@triad.rr.com or 336-813-8484.

IAACT Reorganizes Structure

Prior to the annual Hilton Head Intensive seminar hosted by New View, the IAACT faculty held a two day retreat and business meeting. As a result of the meeting, a new organizational structure has been implemented.

In association with three members of its Board of Directors, the faculty has redefined how IAACT will operate. An Executive Director (ED) will be hired to act as the operational manager of IAACT and serve as liaison between the Board and the Faculty Council. Selection of the Executive Director was given to an adhoc committee of Board members and current faculty. Announcement of the ED will be made in February. Eight standing Committees have been established with the goal of involving as many faculty and general members as possible in active decision-making and group activities. Each committee will be chaired by a faculty member who will then serve on the Faculty Leadership Council (FLC).

The FLC and the ED will work together to manage the day-to-day and instructional services of IAACT and the Board of Directors will provide oversight and directional guidance for the organization. The new structure is designed to increase member participation, improve global awareness for IAACT & develop efficient internal management.

Current members and Intensive Seminar participants will soon receive a letter from current President Glenn Smith outlining the changes and encouraging active involvement.

IAACT Faculty Meeting Announced

January 14 & 15, 2011 - President Glenn Smith has announced an IAACT Faculty Meeting and sharing session for Friday & Saturday, Jan. 14 & 15, prior to the New View sponsored Intensive Seminar at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Is., SC.

Friday's activities will concentrate on two areas. Faculty members will participate in sharing sessions with focus on areas/clients they are currently working with to share PCT instruction. The second part of the day will be spent with a presentation of the new IAACT organizational structure and its implication for members. Discussion of the changes will follow.

On Saturday, several faculty members will present more in-depth formal looks at their particular area of expertise as it relates to presenting 'Control Theory' concepts. The purpose of these presentations is to provide more understanding of and tools for faculty as they share PCT concepts. Social networking and reconnecting activities will take place each evening following the meeting sessions.

All faculty members are invited and encouraged to attend both sessions. Housing is available at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort (use New View rate) or at area hotels (your call). For more information or questions, contact Glenn Smith at reactnot@aol.com.

Thoughts on Elizabeth Edwards

As the word of the seemingly imminent death of Elizabeth Edwards has surfaced on the national and local news, I am struck by her approach to this tragedy of life. Mrs. Edwards is taking the high road - if you will "bumping it up" - as she approaches the end of her life.

We are all aware of the underlying stories that have surfaced over the past 10 years form the Edwards family - some good and some tragic. Throughout, Elizabeth Edwards has been a pillar of strength and a role model for us all.

The most recent press release from the family in Chapel Hill with Mrs. Edwards own announcement of the situation is heart-warming, courageous and symbolic of a person who is living out what we as practitioners of Control Theory believe. Listen to her words: "The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human." "But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. "

Edwards goes on to reflect on her life and the what is positive in it for herself, her children and family. She has looked at the circumstances of her life and has decided to "be the person she wants to be" and needs to be to leave a positive legacy.

I have no knowledge that Elizabeth Edwards ever attended an IAACT intensive seminar where 'Control Theory' was shared. What is evident is that she embodies the characteristics that are the foundation of PCT and lives them in her daily life.

As this post is being written, TV and radio shows are airing details of Mrs. Edwards' life and approach to impending death due to cancer. What courage & resolve she shows. Bravo Elizabeth Edwards! I grow stronger as a person because of you. Our prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family.

New View Announces Intensive Seminar Dates

New View Publications will host their annual Control Theory "Intensive Seminar" Jan. 17-20, 2011 in Hilton Head Island, SC. Seminar sessions for ACTs I, II, III & IV will be offered to participants. Registration information can be found at http://www.newviewpublications.com/index.cgi?page=workshops.html.

New View will also host a Take Charge! training session Jan. 21-22 at the same location. Information can also be found at http://www.iaact.com/training/schedule.html .

Both trainings are co-sponsored by the International Association for Applied Control Theory (IAACT) at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort.

A Point to Ponder

Food for thought: "What Happens to us does not have to define who we are." Consider how you deal with life.

Rethinking Teaching and Learning

Lately I have been thinking a lot about how new information is learned, and why other information is not learned. I should first say that my definition of learning is that a person has acquired knowledge or a skill that can be recalled months later in a different setting. Of course this is not really measurable in a classroom, but it is my goal when I teach a student. I want them to recall something I taught them when in a college class or talking with their parents one night, etc. One of my pet peeves is students telling my that I learned it but forgot it. My question is that if we forget something, was it really learned in the first place?

This leads me to the question that is always on a teacher's mind these days, how do students learn? My original teacher training was in Constructivism which basically says that all people construct their understanding of the world. Learning occurs when a person is confronted with their own misunderstanding and replaces that misunderstanding with a truer understanding. My understanding in PCT takes this to the next level. In PCT thought, a person learns when they encounter error and choose to educe that error by changing a reference (replacing an old understanding with a new one).

In order for this to happen, several things need to occur. The first is that students need to have error about their own misunderstanding or lack of knowledge. This is incredibly difficult to do in a lecture style classroom. Even in a lab or hands-0n environment this can be difficult to achieve because it presupposes that a student cares about the knowledge. I think that this is why we need to tap into a student's beliefs. If a student does not see a need for the knowledge, even if they have some sort of error about the knowledge, they can always say, "Well I don't really need this anyway," or something similar.

This brings me to the next point, once a student has an error about their understanding of the world, they need to do an action to correct it. Teachers assume that students come to them with the tools to learn. I hear many students say that so and so teacher does not teach in a way that I can understand. I wonder, though, in this climate of testing, testing, and more testing which leads to cover, cover, and cover that we have forgotten to teach students the tools to learning. How do you learn in a classroom that is being taught in a style that is contrary to the method you best learn? How do you learn when you are depressed because your boyfriend just dumped you? How do you learn when the kid next to you keeps distracting you? In my experience, many students do not know how to take notes in a way that helps them, let a lone how to learn despite distractions. As professionals we have found our own ways or had parents or other adults that taught us strategies. Where is this taught? Where does a person learn the tools of learning?

In all, I guess what I am proposing in this long blog is a different way of looking at teaching and learning. Instead of teaching kids content, maybe I should be creating a classroom of discovery where students' beliefs about themselves and the world are looked at and encouraged or challenged. I should then focus my teaching on tools of learning so students have actions that help them reduce the error in their systems that also lead to learning.

Live Healthy - My Choice

Choose to live & be healthy - it is YOUR right & privilege. "If its to be, its up to me."

Four Agreements for the Classroom

The beginning of a new school year is both an exciting and a challenging time for all concerned. Turning the page to a new chapter in life holds anticipation and uncertainty for students and teachers alike. Sharing a common purpose and goals creates the conditions for a successful year. Shelley Roy has shared the following article that can assist teachers in creating those positive and productive conditions. When student & teacher agree on their purpose, progress and growth are much more attainable.

Four Agreements for the Classroom
By Shelley A.W. Roy

When Miguel Ruiz wrote the FOUR AGREEMENTS, he once again brought the importance of forming agreements with ourselves to the forefront. As the school year begins across the U.S., educators and students alike are contemplating the upcoming school year. Fall is often a time of reflection and reorganizing our lives after the hustle and bustle of a summer of adventure and vacation.
In successful classrooms, teachers and students are members of a team. Individually and collectively, they ask and answer three basic questions during the team-forming process: "Who am I?" "Who are you?" and finally, "Who are we?" In answering these questions, in building classroom agreements, teachers and students build a firm foundation for the upcoming school year. I believe that the most effective agreements are formed at the principles level of life. This is the level that answers the question, "Who do I want to be?" It is not the level that answers, "What am I going to do?" It is the level of opportunity, not obligation. It is the level at which I shift from thinking, "I have to do such and such." to "This is an opportunity to be the mother, daughter, educator, I want to be."
The four agreements that form the foundation for the school year are personal, social, role and goal agreements. The teacher and every student in a class must have a personal agreement that answers the question, "Who do I want to BE?" As they answer that question, they need to remember that they can’t possibly be everything. They need to limit their lists to three to five principles they want to use to measure their success. For example, my top three BEs are wise, generous, and spiritual. The list is used to self-evaluate who a person is being. The number one life skill is self-evaluation, and responsible self-evaluation measures how being aligns with agreements with self and involves evaluating what is within a person’s control. On a regular basis, a person needs to ask, "What did I do today to live my principles?"
The second of the agreements, the social agreement, answers the question, "Who do we want to be when we are together?" After we have each developed a personal agreement, after we are each clear on how we want to BE, then collectively we need to come to consensus on how we want to treat each other. To form a social agreement, we all must have a sense of connection to everyone else in the group, and there must be a modicum of trust amongs group members. In a school, social agreements may typically be summarized as, "We want to be learning, be respectful, be responsible and be safe."
The third type of agreement, the role agreement, answers the question, "What is my role in getting us where we want to go?" In our family car, whoever sits in the shotgun seat (front seat, passenger side) plays the role of navigator. This has been our long-standing family agreement. In a classroom, it is best if all the adults and students involved in the room are present during role negotiation. The process of
discussion and compromise used in determining roles lays the groundwork for a successful school year during which many hazards and obstacles are avoided. Role clarification allows students to know what to expect and helps develop a safe-risk environment.
Goal agreements, the fourth and final kind of agreements, infuse district and state standards with students’ needs for relevance. To develop meaning and relevance in content learning, and to enhance students’ commitment to learning, teachers and students together develop essential questions for each of the major units of study and for the year. All learning is personal and constructivist by nature, and essential questions, if they are thoughtfully developed, encourage personal engagement with content. Students who are engaged and challenged, students who see real value in what they are learning, are more interested in learning and create fewer distractions in the classroom. Student goal setting moves easily toward student led conferencing.
When these four agreements are included in the beginning of the school year, processes then creating rituals and routines that highlight these agreements becomes the basis of effective task and relationship management in the classroom. Agreements take the guesswork out of expectations; they make what for many is implicit, explicit.

International CSG Conference 2010

The 2010 International Control Systems Group Conference will be held at the University of Manchester, UK (England) on Saturday, July 24. 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of Perceptual Control Theory's initail presentation. Warren Mansell of U Manchester is the conference host.

IAACT faculty members Denise Pappas and Fred Good will be in attendance at the conference. Fred Good will be presenting his paper "A Connected School: Improving Schools and Communities from the Inside Out" to the conference. A copy of Good's paper can be read on line at http://pctweb.org/ along with other information about the conference.

The PCTweb site has many interesting connections to various autheors and practitioners. Check it out...