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Further Education Options: Online Study Groups


In addition to classes and intensives, there are a few online study groups for genealogists to continue their education.

Beginning Genealogists
Gen Proof Study Groups
Each study group has a mentor who leads participants through the exercises and discussions outlined in the book Mastering Genealogical Proof. The author,Thomas W. Jones, writes "I wrote this book to help other genealogists understand in a reasonable time frame what decades of trial-and-error experiences have taught me.... I hope it will enable many more family historians to advance their genealogical research goals efficiently and accurately."

The study group teaches the five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), including reasonably exhaustive research; each statement of fact has a complete and accurate source citation, evidence is reliable and has been skillfully correlated and interpreted, conclusion has been soundly reasoned and coherently written.

Advanced Genealogists
Gen Proof also offers a study group for advanced participants. They cover the same book as the beginners, but at a more advanced level.

The NGSQ Study Group has an excellent reputation for continuing education. They meets monthly online to study scholarly articles from the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, examining the evidence and methodology used in the case study and discuss it with other genealogists. There are several groups meeting at different times, and this group welcomes new members on an ongoing basis.

Each month, the ProGen Study Groups work through a chapter of Professional Genealogy and

complete a practical assignment relating to the material. The cost is $90 per year to cover materials and other expenses. Small group discussions are facilitated online, and members are given the opportunity to review each other’s assignments and offer constructive feedback. This program requires a huge time commitment, but provides a unique opportunity for constructive feedback from colleagues. A new session begins about every four months. They only take advanced students who have completed a certification course such as the NGS Genealogical Studies or equivalent experience.

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