A Facilitator’s Journey Learning how to facilitate in groups

Agenda What is a facilitator? What skills will we need to develop to be successful? What obstacles might we face? What does a good facilitation look like?

What is a Facilitator? establishes a collaborative relationship with participants, in which the facilitator is "first among equals," but responsibility for learning rests with the whole group helps to create and sustain an environment of trust and openness where everyone feels safe to speak honestly and where differences of opinion are respected ensures that everyone feels included and has an opportunity to participate makes sure the "housekeeping" is done, such as preparing materials, setting up the meeting space, notifying participants, and seeing that necessary preparations are made

What is a Facilitator NOT? “the person in charge“ a lecturer necessarily an expert the center of attention an arbiter: In collaborative learning, no one, least of all the facilitator, determines that some opinions are "correct" the maid: In a true collaboration, no one is "stuck" cleaning up the mess or attending to administrative details every time.

What skills does a facilitator need? All of these skills can be developed Every facilitator has their own style A facilitator may need to utilize a different skill mix depending on the group, subject, time, etc. This is not an exhaustive list Listening Flexibility Presentation Self Awareness Relational Self Confidence

Skills of a Facilitator Be an Active Listener! Utilize paraphrasing, tracking, reflecting, and mirroring Be comfortable in the silence Identify the meaning behind the words by listening to body language too

Skills of a Facilitator Allow the group to lead the discussion and adapt accordingly Welcome all new members and ideas as valuable Do not memorize a script; rather, discuss the topic openly which will invite others to join Do not let your opinions influence where you spend your time

Skills of a Facilitator Set the environment that is conducive to discussion/learning Set the tone through “ice breakers” or discussing relatable topics Your dress, language, and tone has an impact on the environment Manage the discussion for time, but do not dictate Presentation

Skills of a Facilitator Beware of your own biases and opinions about the topic Be mindful of the body language you’re demonstrating Purposely use your movements and voice Stay in your role as facilitator, not participant or focal point Self Awareness

Skills of a Facilitator Build relationships with group members that invite participation Make each members contribution seem valuable Be approachable – as part of the group Relational

Skills of a Facilitator Be enthusiastic about the topic and opportunity to be in the group Trust in your style of facilitation Demonstrate confident (but not cocky) body language Encourage others to share their confidence in their opinions Self Confidence

Obstacles that Facilitators might face Late arrivals “jokester” Surprising responses Time No participation Etc…..

Good Facilitations