I appreciate all the interest there has been in the Gen
Proof groups studying the new book
Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. [See the announcement and details on these new study groups
here. Order the book
here.] There are over 100 members on the
Mastering Genealogical Proof Google +
Community
page. We have decided to create a waiting list to join the study groups
so that registration for each of the study groups will be very orderly.
Make a Commitment
The study format we have chosen is small groups of ten
people including a mentor who will guide the group discussions and answer questions. Because there is limited space in these study groups we are
asking that anyone who applies to participate is willing to make a commitment to the following:
1)
Read Mastering
Genealogical Proof and complete all of the practice exercises.
2)
Commit to discussing each chapter with your
group members and mentor. For groups that meet at a designated time each week
this would mean attending ALL the discussions for eight weeks (or every other
week for 16 weeks).
3)
Be prepared to share your thoughts and insights
on each of the following topics:
Chapter 1 -- Genealogy's Proof
Standard
Chapter 2 -- Concepts Fundamental to the GPS
Chapter 3 -- GPS Element 1: Thorough Research
Chapter 4 -- GPS Element 2: Source Citations
Chapter 5 -- GPS Element 3: Analysis and Correlation
Chapter 6 -- GPS Element 4: Resolving Conflicts and Assembling Evidence
Chapter 7 -- GPS Element 5: The Written Conclusion
Chapters 8 & 9 -- Using the GPS and Conclusion
If you are traveling,
have major commitments this summer, or do not have at least five hours per week to dedicate
to studying Mastering Genealogical Proof,
then please wait until you have the time to sign up to participate.
Alternative Program
If you would
like to study the book
Mastering
Genealogical Proof, but do not want to participate in the in-depth small group
discussions in this Gen Proof study program, then you may like to follow along with others studying the book in
Dear Myrtle’s MPG Study Group by watching a panel discuss each chapter via Google Hangouts on Air or YouTube.
Formats and Scheduling
Each of the mentors that will study in the first group with
Tom Jones is evaluating their schedule and deciding upon a study group format
and start date for their group. A list of the Gen Proof mentors will be posted in May. As the format and time are the choice of
the mentor there will be some variety in the options available.
Format may be:
a.
Video chat on a certain day/time each week via
Google Hangout
b.
Text chat
on a certain day/time each week via Basecamp private chat room
c.
Ongoing discussions boards sharing questions and
thoughts via a private Google + community page. Participants can post thoughts
and questions on an ongoing basis on the chapter being studied during week and the
mentor and group members will posts their thoughts and responses.
Meeting times:
d.
Some groups will meet and study one chapter every
week for 8 weeks, and others will meet every other week for 16 weeks
e.
There will be a variety of start dates beginning
in June, July and August
Those on the waiting list will be able to choose a study group time and format that
works best for them on a first come first serve basis. There is only room
for ten people in each group, so if all the groups fill quickly then more
groups will be scheduled in the fall.
Registration Process
1) To join the Gen Proof study group waiting list send
an email to genproofstudy at gmail.com
2)
In May we will email an application form to those on the waiting list (or first 50 on the list) which will include the name of each mentor with their study group start date
and format. Participants will sign the form making a
commitment to participate and indicate their first and second choice for study
groups.
3)
Once we have those on the waiting list divided
into study groups your mentor will contact you and give you access to the
private Google + community or Basecamp website where you will participate in
your group discussions.
4)
Have fun studying this wonderful new book with
a great group of genealogists!
Questions
Questions can be asked on the
Mastering Genealogical Proof Google +
Community
page or via email at genproofstudy at gmail.com
