1. A Facilitator’s Journey
Learning how to facilitate in groups

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. Good Facilitations