January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2034 - Self-Directed Online Course
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a collaborative, strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying “what’s working” to drive meaningful transformation. This self-paced, asynchronous program invites you to delve into AI’s foundational theories, principles, and the 5-D process through experiential exercises designed to foster discovery, reflection, and implementation. By embracing the AI methodology, you can cultivate stronger relationships, promote meaningful engagement, and inspire positive change in various aspects of your life.
WHY APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY WORKS
The AI 5-D Cycle is a proven framework for unlocking potential, fostering positive change by leveraging strengths, engaging diverse perspectives, and inspiring action. It provides a structured yet flexible process that supports individuals and organizations in identifying opportunities, envisioning possibilities, and designing pathways toward sustainable success. The AI 5-D Cycle builds on what is working well to generate meaningful and lasting impact across personal growth, team dynamics, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
WHAT THIS COURSE OFFERS
This course equips you with essential tools and insights to apply Appreciative Inquiry effectively across various contexts.
- Deepen Your Understanding of AI Principles. Gain a deep understanding of the original and emergent principles of Appreciative Inquiry and how they shape the way we think, interact, and lead. Apply these principles to strengthen leadership, reframe challenges, and inspire meaningful engagement.
- Explore the Research & Theories Supporting AI. Delve into the scientific research, theories, and psychological principles that support strengths-based approaches to change. Learn how neural pathways influence behavior, apply the PERMA model to enhance well-being, and recognize how social interactions shape knowledge and reality.
- Harness the Power of the AI 5-D Cycle. Experience each phase of the AI 5-D Cycle – Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny – and learn how this structured approach fosters collaboration, sparks innovation, and drives meaningful change.
- Strengthen Communication & Mindset. Recognize the power of storytelling and appreciative questioning to shift paradigms and foster productive, engaging conversations. Develop a strengths-based mindset that amplifies positive emotions, reframes challenges, and opens doors to new possibilities.
YOUR AI LEARNING JOURNEY: EXPLORE, LEARN, & APPLY
This comprehensive AI foundations course consists of five engaging modules, each designed to build your knowledge and application of AI. Each lesson offers hands-on exercises, real-world applications, actionable strategies, and reflection prompts to deepen your understanding and application of AI in a meaningful way.
Module 1: FOUNDATIONS OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
At its core, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a transformational approach to change that invites us to explore strengths, successes, and possibilities through generative questions. This module introduces AI as a dynamic framework that fosters meaningful dialogue, shifts perspectives, and amplifies what works.
You will examine the power of storytelling, compare two approaches to human learning and change, and trace AI’s evolution as it continues to shape personal, organizational, and community transformation.
Number of Lessons: 4
Estimated Time to Complete: 5-7 Hours
Module 2: SUPPORTING RESEARCH & THEORIES OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
What makes strength-based approaches like Appreciative Inquiry so powerful? This module explores the research, theories, and disciplines that reinforce AI’s effectiveness in shaping learning, behavior, and belief systems. You will examine how AI influences the way we think, act, and relate to others, drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and positive organizational scholarship.
By engaging with key concepts like neural pathways, positive emotions, and expectancy theory, you will uncover why AI fuels innovation, well-being, and sustainable change.
Number of Lessons: 6
Estimated Time to Complete: 10-12 Hours
Module 3: PRINCIPLES OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Appreciative Inquiry is built on a foundation of guiding principles that shape the way we engage, inquire, and create change. In this module, you will explore both the original and emergent AI principles, understanding their role in fostering curiosity, inclusion, and generative conversations.
Through experiential activities and reflective dialogue, you will deepen your awareness of how these principles shape your way of being, thinking, and doing — both personally and professionally.
Number of Lessons: 10
Estimated Time to Complete: 18-20 Hours
Module 4: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE
The Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle — Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny — provides a structured yet flexible framework for creating meaningful change. In this module, you will experience the full AI cycle firsthand, applying each phase to a personal Appreciative Visioning Plan.
Through interactive exercises and reflection, you will gain practical skills in crafting compelling questions, conducting appreciative interviews, envisioning possibilities, and designing action plans that inspire and sustain positive momentum.
Number of Lessons: 5
Estimated Time to Complete: 6-8 Hours
Module 5: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN ACTION
Challenges and opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a dynamic and adaptable approach that has sparked the development of innovative programs, frameworks, and workshops worldwide. This module highlights AI’s versatility and scalability by exploring its impact across leadership, team development, community engagement, and personal growth.
You will examine real-world applications, engage with methodologies like SOAR, Appreciative Living, and Conversations Worth Having, and analyze case studies that illustrate AI’s ability to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Number of Lessons: 6
Estimated Time to Complete: 5-7 Hours
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognize the power of storytelling and its ability to shape perspectives, reframe challenges, and foster engagement.
- Understand the difference between the AI Process (doing) and Principles of AI (being) and how they influence leadership, collaboration, and organizational change.
- Apply the AI 5-D Cycle to develop strengths-based strategies that foster innovation, collaboration, and meaningful transformation.
- Facilitate strengths-based conversations that inspire engagement, innovation, and positive change in teams, organizations, and communities.
- Strengthen leadership skills by integrating appreciative, future-focused visioning into decision-making and strategic planning.
- Reframe challenges into opportunities by applying AI principles to problem-solving, team dynamics, and organizational growth.
- Integrate AI methodologies into daily practices to build a culture of strengths, resilience, and sustainable impact.
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites to participate in this Appreciative Inquiry foundations course.
DESIGNED FOR
Anyone who wants to make positive and lasting change within themselves, their teams, organizations, and communities.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
DELIVERY FORMAT
The Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications is a self-directed course with no required live or virtual sessions. Enjoy the flexibility to access materials, complete activities, and apply AI techniques whenever and wherever it works best for you.
Designed for diverse learning styles, this course incorporates text, graphics, videos, and downloadable activities. All materials are available online through LearnDash, the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s learning management system. To support your learning experience, we have created a series of instructional videos designed to help you navigate LearnDash and maximize its features. The link to this playlist will be included in your registration confirmation email.
COURSE ACCESS
Gain immediate access to the Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications course upon registration. Course access remains available for one (1) year from the date of registration. During this time, participants are encouraged to log into LearnDash to download and save all materials, activities, and resources for future reference.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Certificates of Completion are available to all participants. To obtain a letter, participants must complete the training and submit course feedback. Certificates of Completion include the participant’s name, the name of the completed course, and the number of training hours offered by the course. The Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications self-directed course offers 55 training hours.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Do you have questions, need assistance with registration, want to inquire about group rates, or request a private training session for your team or organization? If so, please email Kathy Becker at Kathy@CenterForAppreciativeInquiry.net.
87 people are attending Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations & Applications
Course Developer
MELISSA ROBAINA, MBA, founder of Appreciative Inquiries, LLC and COO of The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, has over 15 years of experience fostering engagement and sustainable change using Appreciative Inquiry. She specializes in designing transformative learning experiences that spark personal and professional exploration through strengths-based tools, frameworks, and real-world applications.
Her first course, Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry, is CAI’s most popular self-directed course, highly rated for its comprehensiveness and practical application of AI’s foundational theories, principles, and the 5-D Cycle. Melissa continues to develop strengths-based courses and resources that empower individuals and organizations to integrate AI into their work and daily lives, inspiring meaningful conversations and lasting, positive change. Learn more about Melissa >>