THE CONTROL SYSTEMS GROUP (CSG)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 TO SATURDAY, JULY 28
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP - WILLIAM T. POWERS
INTRODUCTION TO PERCEPTUAL CONTROL THEORY (PCT) METHOD OF LEVELS (MOL)
MONDAY, JULY 23 TO WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
The Control Systems Group (CSG) has met annually since 1985 to discuss theoretical and practical applications of PERCEPTUAL CONTROL THEORY (PCT) in the behavioral, social, and life sciences. This is a small and informal meeting, open to anyone interested in PCT who wants to present work or ideas, or who simply wants to listen and learn.
The 2001 CSG conference will begin Wednesday evening, July 25, and end with the closing banquet and business meeting on Saturday evening, July 28. It is being held at the Thompson Retreat and Conference Center in Saint Louis, MO. The first meeting will be on Wednesday evening. At that time we find out who wants to talk about what, and set up a tentative schedule grouping more or less connected topics together. There is usually time for a talk that evening. The next meetings usually are held in the mornings and evenings, with afternoons free. The afternoons are used by some for recreation, while others get and give tutorials, read, etc. We ask people who want to present material to bring relevant papers that can be read in advance of their talks, so that presentations are discussions rather than lectures. In the most recent year we also posted tentative presentations on the CSG website so as to provide even more advanced anticipation and preparation for the conference proceedings.
On Saturday evening we have a banquet. The conference closes with a brief business meeting following the banquet.
For more information visit the IAACT website at www.iaact.com and the CSG website at http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/csg/
Presentation, Sharing, Discussion 3pm-5pm; Reception 5pm-7pm
A special opportunity for IAACT members and all who arrive before Sunday afternoon is a presentation, sharing and discussion of the latest work (in progress) of some IAACT faculty* who are developing modules for presenting key features of Perceptual Control Theory and its application in various life and work contexts. Updates from the IAACT office and mutual sharing of professional news, tips, and related information will conclude the presentations and transition into a reception in which the sharing and learning may continue. Be sure to be there and join in IAACT's goal to LIVE IT!
*These same faculty will participate with Bill Powers in the presentations of the PCT-MOL workshop.
The PCT-MOL workshop will be led by William T. Powers, the originator of Perceptual Control Theory. It will be of interest to those in the helping professions, and others, who want to learn or review the basic facts and propositions of PCT and to explore ways to help people "go up a level." The Method of Levels is not about advising, suggesting, judging, or imposing one's attitude on others. In a sense, it is not really a "method" or technique at all, but a flexible and evolving way for people to achieve insight into their own behavior.
The PCT-MOL workshop will begin on Monday morning, July 23 and end on Wednesday, July 25 with a concluding lunch. Monday morning will begin with an introduction to Perceptual Control Theory and its application to the helping professions. The workshop will continue the development of basic PCT including an exploration of the Method of Levels sessions on Monday evening, Tuesday morning and evening, and Wednesday morning. Afternoons will be free.
The Thompson Retreat and Conference Center is located approximately 20 minutes from the airport in west Saint Louis County: 12145 Ladue Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141, (314)-434-3633.
For over 40 years, it has welcomed groups, businesses and non-profit organizations to its conveniently located campus. With 32 acres of lawns, meadows and woodlands, it provides a tranquil setting conducive to meetings and retreats. Centered around a gracious Georgian mansion, Thompson Retreat and Conference Center accommodates groups of varying sizes and needs. Rooms have warmth and charm, providing the feeling of being in a lovely home. From the living room to the wood-paneled library, guests can gather and feel at ease. Large groups can meet in the more private Holiday House. St. David's Chapel provides a place for quiet reflection.
The natural setting with walking trails, a meditation labyrinth, delicious food and friendly staff provide the benefits of a place apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. As a not-for-profit retreat and conference center, it operates with a small staff in order to be able to keep costs within reasonable ranges. While the amenities are not necessarily those of a conference hotel, guests are assured that what they receive here is something even more special.
CSG is a nonprofit organization! (If there is one term that describes us it is nonprofit.) Consequently your full payment is your reservation. Should you decide or need to cancel we must pass all cancellation fees on to you and will refund your money minus those fees, as follows: Cancellations made before July 6 incur a fee of $35; between July 6-July 16 a fee of $25 per night; after July 16 no refunds can be made. CSG is responsible for all rooms and meal reservations after July 16.
Students and others whose finances are limited can apply for a full or partial waiver of conference fees. Some help with travel costs may also be available. For details on assistance, contact Richard Marken at same address.