In contrast to what happens at unconferences, in which there is no pre-established schedule and people show up and talk with anyone about anything, Crossroads participants arrive only after writing up a persistent challenge (which we call a Vexation) and proposed solution (a Venture). For the Vexation, participants identify an aspect of their science education work that vexes them: "Beyond simply venting, carefully explain the source of your frustration, the reason the issue is so troublesome, and the implications of this vexation if left unresolved." The Venture describes a course of action the participant might initiate to resolve, diminish, or overcome the Vexation: "It is not expected that you have yet begun your venture. Instead, we envision that you are approaching a crossroads where a decision must be made about an appropriate venture. By identifying potential ventures, you provide an entry point for others to confer with you."
As the cohosts of Crossroads, we read every Vexation and Venture proposal. We provide feedback and suggest edits designed to make the documents as clear and thought-provoking as possible. We respectfully encourage each writer to think about his or her audience. The Vexation must feel genuine and significant enough to encourage conversation. Similarly, the Venture must not seem like an obvious or easy solution—it must raise questions that promote a sense of responsibility among participants. Quite often, we recommend that writers supply a list of discussion-starter questions. Our written exchanges with participants set the tone for the professional development conference itself.
Using our feedback, participants submit a revised version of their Vexation and Venture paper a few weeks before the Crossroads meeting. We compile all the Vexations and Ventures and send printed copies of them to all participants in advance. Individuals bring the materials to the sessions so that they can refer to them during the discussions. With a two-page spread open on the conference table in front of them, everyone can pay attention to the conversation at hand.
We've found that having the session materials printed out establishes a focused tone without the session facilitator having to make a big fuss about turning off smartphones, putting away tablets, or troubleshooting uncooperative projectors. This low-tech approach signals that Crossroads is not a typical plugged-in, multitasking professional development experience. Instead, the purpose is listening and responding to one another. This emphasis appears all the more important as people increasingly depend on technology while interpersonal skills erode