FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Gateway Self Study

• Is there an interview after GSS: yes for those continuing to Program One of the Assessment Certification Program; [presently] no for those entering the Dialectics in Coaching Program
• What is the difference between Gateway SS and Gateway live? None, except that in self study you listen to recordings of a live Gateway class held earlier.
• Why is Gateway SS a required course for all IDM programs: Gateway SS is an introductory course surveying all that is taught at IDM in a compact form, later deepened in live classes.
• How much time is needed to work through Gateway SS: about 15 hours of focused work.
• What are the dimensions Gateway introduces to: there are 3, the socio-emotional, cognitive, and psychological
• What is the difference between Gateway and conventional coaching courses: Gateway introduces to essential findings of adult developmental research since 1975 and while central for coaching also addresses consultants, HR generalists, social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, and mediators, -- anybody working with adults with a mandate of assisting in their development
• How do those registering for Gateway Self Study become part of the IDM Community: participants are invited as a cohort into IDMSpace, a ning website on which they can exchange ideas and experiences and can also address the instructor before moving into Module A self study and live.

Questions about Assessment Certification

• Why is the certification focused on (adult-developmental) assessment: learning the tools requires for interview- and questionnaire-based assessment is central to writing an IDM case study, but beyond this purpose teaches social-deliberative skills that enhance all communication professionals are involved in .
• What kind of assessments are learned: participants learn the socio-emotional and cognitive assessment, both interview based, and the questionnaire based assessment of psychological workplace profile, based on psychoanalytical ideas (Henry Murray; Morris Aderman).
• What is the sequence of courses (modules) to pass through to obtain a Certificate of Developmental Assessment: Gateway (SS), Module A (socio-emotional development), Module B (cognitive development), Module C (“Need/Press” workplace profile), Module D (Case Study Master Class).
• How much time does it take to complete Module D (of Program One): typically 9-10 months.
• What are the preconditions for joining Program One: none; the program is open to all professionals without exception as long as they master English sufficiently to follow instruction.
• What is the value of holding a Certificate of Developmental Assessment: the value is at least twofold: first, to have made a first step to adopting the Constructive Developmental Framework (CDF) as you basic coaching or consulting tool; second, to become eligible for further practice of CDF in Program Two where three further case studies are written.
• What is the value of the Certificate compared to other degrees: the certificate is your empowerment to practice evidence-based coaching and consulting since you can tell your clients and their managers with great precision what is clients’ level of potential and future mental growth.
• How does the Developmental Assessment Certificate relate to academic coaching or MBA programs: the certificate corresponds to a Masters degree and earns 80 ICF CEUs.

Questions about Professional Practice Programs

• How are PP programs different from the Assessment Certification Program? PP programs focus on the application of adult-developmental research findings in concrete situations and specific cases; they emphasize skill and performance using CDF, not deep theoretical insight.
• What is the difference between the Dialectics in Coaching and the Critical Practice Program: the DC program leads to certification as an evidence-based developmental coach, whereas the CP program only introduces practitioners to the value of knowing about adult development relative to a specific recorded coaching or consulting session of 30 minutes length. Essentially those participating in the CP program get introduced to developmental listening and thinking by an instructor who is expert in CDF.

Dialectics in Coaching Program

• What is the structure of the DC program: the program comprises 50% self study and 50% live class participation.
• What are the preconditions for entering the DC program: there are none, but having professional credentials in either coaching or consulting is helpful.
• When can one start the DC program: anytime, by registering for Gateway Self Study and thereafter proceeding to Module A.
• Is there a personal encounter with an IDM instructor after completing Gateway and proceeding to Module A (socio-emotional development of adults): not at the present time. As a result, a lot of upfront work has to be done to move into the first DC live class (Module A; 4x2 hrs).
• How many cohorts have moved through the DC program at IDM: the first cohort for this program is forming in the early Spring of 2010.
• Can one switch from the Certification to the DC program and vice versa: yes, with permission of the Director of Education.
• How long does it take to complete the DC program: depending on the formation of cohorts approximately 60 self study work hours and 4x2 live classes (DC I, II, III, IV) spread over 16-20 weeks, i.e., 4-5 months.

Critical Practice Program

• What is purpose of this program: the program enables a first encounter with adult-developmental theory based on one’s present coaching and/or consulting work which is viewed and discussed critically by instructor and peers.
• What is meant by “critical practice”: the program aims to educate reflective practitioners who can think and listen developmentally. Ths purpose of the program thus is to raise professional self awareness; a related purpose is to introduce more powerful tools than a professional typically has at his or her disposal.
• What is the difference between the Dialectics in Coaching and the CP program: the DC program requires self study, while the CP program does not; thus the CP program has no preconditions whatsoever except for the opportunity to submit a 30 min. long recording of a recent coaching or consulting session, to be discussed in class.
• Can one transfer from the CP program to the Assessment Certification and/or Dialectics in Coaching program: yes. In the first case, one needs to take Gateway Self Study in order to enter Program One of the Assessment Certification track. In the second case, one can proceed to Gateway Self Study following by Module A Self Study, in order to sign up for the Dialectics in Coaching I. live class.