audiences, a target of 1500 words has proven to be ideal. Feedback and edits. Creating a written Vexation and Venture that to be critiqued by session organizers is a powerful exercise. Be expected to hone frustrations and to articulate ambitions supplies clarity for author and audience alike. Proposed Vexations and Ventures are treated as best first drafts that inevitably must be modified is response to feedback — it is almost painful for everyone but the results make it worthwhile. Silence and attention. Listening with an open mind and doing so in silence is not a common trait, especially among professionals. Perhaps most pivotal is the silence by the presenter during the latter half of the Vexation and Venture format. Trust and safety. Risk is an inherent feature of the Vexation and Venture presentation. Careful selection of participants and establishing an appropriate climate are paramount. If presenters feel too vulnerable, then they won’t feel they can trust the group enough to share their concerns and endeavor. Only when the group demonstrates appropriate care will the presenter provide a wholehearted basis for conversation and will the participants supply the thoughtful commentary that will benefit everyone. Examples Science Education at the Crossroads Design Based Research Conference 2013 References Johnston, A. & Settlage, J. (2008). Framing the professional development of members of the science teacher education community. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 19, 513-521. Settlage, J., Johnston, A., Meadows, L., Harkins, H., Kittleson, J. (2007, January). Professional Development at a Crossroads. Using Vexations as the Focal Point. Workshop presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Science Teacher Education, Clearwater, FL.