Appreciative Inquiry Foundations (A Self-Paced On-Demand Course)
Time limit: 365 days
Full course description
Build the mindset, skills, and confidence to lead with strengths. This course is the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to introduce strengths-based leadership into their work, team, or organization.
Learning Appreciative Inquiry isn’t just about gaining new tools — it’s about reshaping the way you see challenges, people, and possibilities. The Foundations Course gives you a practical, research-backed way to move conversations, teams, and projects out of problem-fixing and into momentum-building. When you understand how to identify strengths, ask better questions, and create energy around what’s working, you unlock a more effective and more human approach to leading change. These are skills that make you a better collaborator, coach, teammate, and leader — no matter your role or industry.
What to Expect from Appreciative Inquiry Foundations
This self-paced on-demand course is an introduction to strengths-based, possibility-centered change. You’ll learn the core principles and practices of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and how to use them to lead more positive, engaging, and effective conversations in your work and life.
When you register, you’ll get immediate access to six interactive, self-paced modules designed to build your confidence and skill in Appreciative Inquiry. Across these modules, you will learn how to spot strengths, ask better questions, reframe challenges, and apply AI in real-world contexts.
The Modules
Each module includes lessons, tools, examples, reflective exercises, and practical steps for applying Appreciative Inquiry to your daily work.
Module 1: Appreciative Inquiry 101 – Rewiring for Possibility
Build the foundations of AI and learn how to identify strengths and existing assets you can build on.
Module 2: The Science of Strengths – Why AI Works
Understand the research behind strengths-based approaches and why focusing on what works drives better outcomes.
Module 3: The Art of the Question – How Leaders Shape Reality with Their Questions
Practice crafting powerful, generative questions that shift conversations toward possibility.
Module 4: Leading with the 5-D Cycle
Learn to facilitate the 5-D cycle and guide individuals and teams through appreciative processes.
Module 5: Appreciative Inquiry at All Levels – From the Self to Systems
Apply AI at the individual, team, organizational, and multi-stakeholder levels.
Module 6: Designing Your AI Leadership Project
Begin shaping your own appreciative leadership initiative with tools, examples, and reflective prompts.
Course Timing
You’ll have a full year (365 days) from the date you register to complete the course and access course materials. The experience is completely self-paced, so you can engage with the material whenever it works best for you. Most learners find that setting aside 8–10 hours per module allows them to complete about one module in one week.
Virtual Assistant to Help You Practice
To support your learning, you’ll also have access to our Appreciative Inquiry Virtual Assistant (AIVA). AIVA is an AI-powered virtual tutor you can chat with anytime, for
- help navigating the course
- better understanding course concepts, and
- practicing appreciative conversations in real time
AIVA supports your learning but does not complete assignments for you. This “AI meets AI” feature gives you a safe, supportive space to practice skills before applying them in real contexts.
Upon Completion
Once you complete the course, you’ll earn a digital AI Foundations Badge that you can proudly add to your LinkedIn profile. You’ll retain access to the course and all materials for one year after registration. Completion of this course also makes you eligible to register for the Appreciative Inquiry Certification, if you choose to continue your learning journey.
Who Should Enroll
This course is perfect for:
- Leaders and aspiring leaders
- HR and talent development professionals
- Coaches, consultants, and facilitators
- Educators and nonprofit professionals
- Anyone responsible for shaping conversations or leading change
No prior experience with Appreciative Inquiry required.
If you want to bring clarity, engagement, and possibility into your work — this course is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the course start?
This is a self-paced, on-demand course. You can begin any time after registration and move through the modules at your own pace.
2. How long do I have access to the course?
You’ll have full access for 365 days from the date you enroll, including all modules, tools, and the virtual AIVA tutor.
3. Do I need any prior experience with Appreciative Inquiry?
No experience is required. This course is designed for beginners as well as practitioners who want a refresher on Appreciative Inquiry principles and tools.
4. What is the time commitment?
Most learners spend 8-10 hours a week on each module, completing 1 module a week on average, but pacing is entirely up to you. Each module includes short lessons, videos, examples, and practice activities you can do as your schedule allows.
5. Does this count toward Appreciative Inquiry Certification?
Yes. Completing this Foundations course unlocks your eligibility to enroll in the Appreciative Inquiry Certification program.
Begin your Appreciative Inquiry journey today — and start leading with strengths!
About the Cooperrider Center
The David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry at Champlain College is the global hub for helping people learn about, apply, and amplify Appreciative Inquiry. Our goal is to enable and expand strengths-based organizational growth by providing coursework and certification in Appreciative Inquiry, and by connecting people and organizations with each other and with research and practice. Visit us at appreciativeinquiry.champlain.edu for more information.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Lindsey Godwin, PhD, is the Robert P. Stiller Endowed Chair of Management at Champlain College and a globally recognized scholar-practitioner in Appreciative Inquiry. Trained at Case Western Reserve University under David Cooperrider and Ron Fry, she has published widely, edited multiple special issues and books on strengths-based change, and presented at conferences around the world. With deep experience consulting for organizations such as the United Nations, World Vision, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and major school districts and associations, she brings both academic insight and real-world leadership to her teaching.
Dr. David Cooperrider, Honorary Chair of Champlain College’s David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry, is the founding pioneer of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). He has advised five Presidents, Nobel Laureates, major corporations, and global organizations including the UN, facilitating historic multi-stakeholder initiatives and advancing the concept of Business as an Agent of World Benefit. David has authored 25 books and over 100 articles, received numerous awards—including the OD Network Lifetime Achievement Award and the Peter F. Drucker Distinguished Fellow award—and founded the Global Forum for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. Recognized globally for his scholarship and impact, he continues to shape positive institutions and inspire leaders to create a world where people, businesses, and nature can flourish.
Refund Policy
Refunds are not available for self-paced on-demand courses. If something happens that makes it difficult for you to complete the course within a year and you would like to extend access, please reach out to the Center.
Questions?
We're here to help! Email appreciativeinquiry@champlain.edu