Writing participants’ comments on the whiteboard. Workshops will introduce tools and techniques for facilitating group discussion and activities. These techniques can be used to serve the needs of a group in exploring ideas and making decisions. It’s often both a goal and a motivator for many people in groups to … Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. Facilitating a Quiet Group | Facilitation Skills Training. Participants will engage in different types of facilitation and discussion and identify the challenges that they expect to face. You’re Flexible and Able to Adapt on the Fly. If a group breaks into three small groups for 15 minutes each, it is a way to have 45 minutes of deep discussion on a topic. A fac i litator’s role is to guide the group through the meeting processes of deliberate dialogue, topic discussions, and decision-making. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. Students are engaged in a learning environment that encourages them to be active learners, workers, and servers. Explain the topic. Discussion is a powerful mechanism for active learning; a well-facilitated discussion allows the participant to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. Facilitation tools for meetings and workshops A compilation of tools and techniques for working in groups and facilitating meetings or workshops Seeds for Change ... contributing to discussion in the whole group, asking questions when they don't understand, … discussion. In fact, a mentor once told me that my goal as a small-group leader was to never tell when I could ask. Internet Resources From the Electronic Discussion on Group Facilitation The Art of Hosting Good Conversations Online. They can be modified or combined to suit a group’s needs. The group can make selections from the results using voting (ranking or rating) and/or consensus techniques. The facilitation style needs to meet the needs of the group at different … Instagram, Consumer Information & Student Right to Know, Consumer Information &Student Right to Know, Visit Berea College/Visitor Center & Shoppe. Facilitating Discussion Groups Now that you’ve watched the presentation and the film and have everything ready, it’s time to lead the youth in a facilitated discussion. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. Participatory Facilitation Techniques Some of the techniques profiled in this mini-workshop are listed below. Allow participants to introduce themselves – you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. Small groups let everyone participate more than would be possible in large group discussions. Gelula, M.H. These groups are led by a facilitator who manages the session in order to reach an appropriate outcome. It’s tiring and takes a lot of effort to hold a … If you want to improve your facilitation skills and lead better meetings, try these 10 facilitation techniques. A group of two or three generally doesn’t need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Hutchins Library supports the educational mission of the college by maintaining a rich collection of materials in a variety of formats. • Thank the group for participating; let them know how the discussion results will be used. 8. You will be the facilitator and assist a group discussion. It works in small to moderate size groups, but bogs down with larger numbers (more than a dozen or so). Announce that the discussion is ending and ask the group if there are any final comments or questions before you pull the ideas together. 3–5 hours (Depending on group size and the activities that you choose) 5–25 This training is best implemented with two trainers: one person and/or set up the video Small group discussion, large group discussion, a role-play exercise and video screening “Facilitation … The following are suggestions to get you started. The facilitator doesn’t need to be an expert in the content - the “what” - of the meeting. A prepared copy of the information captured during the session should be provided within one week after the ses-sion. Participants will engage in different types of facilitation, discussion, and identify the challenges that they expect to face and develop solutions using the tools presented. TIPS stands for Treatment Ideas & Practical Strategies. There are no clear cut positions or stands to be taken. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. You can introduce the topic by asking questions. Browse the site for information on classes, transcripts, and degree requirements. sarah@groupfacilitation.co.uk +44(0)7789 656566 Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). That means a facilitator isn't there to give opinions, but to draw out opinions and ideas of the group members. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. You may occasionally need to ask if something is a pro or a con: some things will be both. Give specific time limits and instructions. Use the round robin technique (go around the room asking each person to share a comment) ... Give participants 2 minutes to write down their response/comment on the issue at hand before initiating open group discussion; Tuckman, B. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). To Decide: Group discussions designed to lead to a group … Participants will engage in different types of facilitation and discussion and identify the challenges that they expect to face. Explore common resources for campus and community. Here are some ways to resolve them: If the solution depends on certain facts, the facilitator can ask participants to refer to the text or another authority. This is the original book by Judith Belmont. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. Your closing remarks should show the students how the discussion progressed, emphasizing 2-3 key points and tying the ideas into the overall theme of the discussion. Brushy Fork Institute The facilitator guides a discussion of the topics laid out in the meeting agenda, with the purpose of moving the team towards a common goal. Berea is the only one of America’s top colleges that makes a no-tuition promise to every enrolled student. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someone’s comment. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. And who was it writte… Group Discussion Situations. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. List all the comments in the appropriate columns and try not to argue with the suggestions for improvement! Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. Discussion groups are an excellent method for engaging students in learning and reinforcing course material. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. Sometimes she doesn’t even need to be a member of the group, such as in the case of a consultant stepping in to mediate a dispute. Helps keep the group conversation on topic and relevant. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. Workshops will introduce tools and techniques for facilitating group discussion and activities. This helps to get the sense of the group without forcing a decision and encourages people to express support for more than one idea. Bring closure to the discussion. First in pairs and then as a whole group, ask the staff to discuss which opinion they agree with and why. Instead, the facilitator is in charge of the meeting process – “how” the meeting will progress through the agenda topics. The Facilitation topic area is great for people who need to teach something or get results with a group. Limit groups to 2-3 students each. Group and Organizational Studies, vol. Covers: i) Conducting effective meetings; ii) Developing facilitation skills; iii) Capturing what people say; and iv) Techniques for leading group discussions. Expert facilitation using creative approaches, tailored to your needs. To Explore: Group discussions designed to explore one's own views and views of others. This principle informs a number of facilitation techniques, including, for example, how the facilitator flip charts a team’s input. The goal of the facilitator is to help group members engage in meaningful dialogue with one another. Although we went through some of these tips in the presentation, it helps to have the tips in front of you during the discussion. Workshops will introduce tools and techniques for facilitating group discussion and activities. Roberts Rules is comprehensive a set of specific rules by which members of meetings can conduct their meeting process in a very orderly fashion, thereby helping to ensure that members get the most out of meetings. Most facilitation techniques require that the facilitator manage all time-keeping, take notes of all discussions, and work with the group to create rules under which the group will function while in session. Using facilitation tools and techniques discussed in this toolkit help to address some of these dynamics, but you may also need to openly discuss power dynamics with the group and how it might impact the group’s ability to collaborate effectively. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. While our faculty proudly focuses on being and becoming excellent classroom teachers, they are also active intellectuals and scholars. When facilitating, take time to think about the process and agenda, and learn the skills you need to take the event through to a successful conclusion. What I really hear you saying is...”. 10 meeting facilitation techniques to improve your skills Most skilled facilitators - just like most anyone who excels in any art, science, or sport - are made through study and practice. Download this PDF to print as a handout. We sometimes call Berea “the best education money can’t buy.”, Follow Us: One simple (and very quick) method is to make three columns on a flip chart, with the headings “Good / Bad / Change.” Have participants list the things that were good, what was not good, and what should be done differently in the future. This allows them to discover biblical truths for themselves. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Speed Consulting is a group … Next, to the time frame and group size, you will find the needed materials … All of these meetings are more effective when the person running them knows how to structure the discussion and manage complex group interactions. Feito, J. Virtual facilitation best practices include having a plan to call on meeting participants as they have input to add. If you find yourself as the lead facilitator of the group discussion, here are three things you can do to guide your group through a dynamic and helpful conversation: 1. encourage everyone to participate. It also lets people air gripes, often before they become major problems. In summary, it involves writing key words onto Post-it notes and then collectively … If there is time, invite participants to reflect on the main ideas, and ask if they have any additional thoughts to share. Small group discussion is so important, and really is the place where the Word can be applied as much as any other time. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. a group discussion. These techniques can be modified or combined to suit a group's needs. Expert facilitation for conferences, workshops and meetings; utilising innovative, bespoke facilitation techniques. appoint a timekeeper with a second hand or a stopwatch. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, Enhancing Student Learning with Technology, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? The 25 group facilitation techniques are sorted into 6 categories from “imagine more ideas” to “plan for action”. Draw a line down the middle of a flip chart page. Small-Group Discussions: Facilitation Strategies and Selected Models Strategies for Facilitating Small-Group Discussions. The facilitator needs to make sure that each person within the group participates, so occasionally the facilitator … Deferring - Often, the best strategy is to invite participants to come up after the session and arrange for a time to talk about the disagreement further, and then move the discussion on to another topic. The second reason is that facilitation tools and techniques make it much easier to manage the inevitable ups and downs that are part of every project. They let you and other members Berea College boasts eight centers which serve our campus and community in a variety of ways. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. 1. Twitter Facebook EDC staff is always available to help you find or refine more discipline-specific techniques. The second reason is that facilitation tools and techniques … Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Facilitator’s Techniques for Group Discussions. You will be the facilitator and assist a group discussion… Highlight differences of opinion by pointing out, without judgment, what the differences are. Experienced facilitators may have gathered and learned various techniques in supervising a group discussion and helping the group … The facilitation style needs to meet the needs of the group at different development stages. This is particularly useful if you have more topics to cover than can be dealt with by the whole group in the time available. Facilitation techniques are tools used to enable a group to work together to formulate a joint decision. Try these techniques…. What surprises or challenges me? Ground rules: Straw polls: When faced with a list of options, straw polls provide an alternative to voting. The facilitator might say, “What I’m saying is…, but now I'd like you to share your perspective.” Turning the question back to the questioner forces him or her to take responsibility for his or her opinion. CPO 2164 2 Useful Videos YouTube Video: Essential Skills for Effective Interpersonal Group Facilitation There are a number of creative techniques for facilitating effective discussion groups. The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. Meta-planning is a simple technique that encourages individuals to express their thoughts on the issue under discussion. Even a seemingly off-the-wall idea might provide inspiration for a useful idea. At the end of the session a summarization of the major points recorded during the discussion should be reviewed. A facilitator is a guide to help people move through a process together, not the seat of wisdom and knowledge. “I’m uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. Round-robin reporting: Go around the group and ask each person to respond to the question or proposal at hand. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. • Collect and save all notes and recordings. Don’t evaluate, discuss or criticize. Facilitators should adhere to the team’s own Facilitating WIC Discussion Groups Guidelines, Concepts, and Techniques Providing a Discussion Group is an attempt to give individuals a more meaningful experience that involves shared learning. What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? Facilitator’s Techniques for Group Discussions. Have someone from each small group give a summary report on the discussion. Discussion groups are an excellent method for engaging students in learning and reinforcing course material. With … Round-robin reporting: Go around the group … This … This is because participants typically prefer someone to initially take charge and take them in the right direction – particularly in new group … Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. Request that if participants challenge others’ ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Tips for Facilitating Great Discussions. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. Preparing for Discussion Before leading the Say it Out Loud youth discussion group, here are things you can do to prepare and to help ensure that it is a success: Read this guide in its entirety. Part of your job as a facilitator involves checking in with … The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. Berea, KY 40404, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 28 fields. This technique gets everyone’s input and helps keep anyone from dominating a discussion. Two or more ideas from a brainstorm can be combined to create something else entirely. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. YouTube Facilitator Intervention Technique The nature of the intervention depends on the nature of the problem in the group. Adjust your facilitation style. When we're facilitating in our small group, our main goal is to create discussion. You can Facilitating Group Discussions. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Useful Questions for Dialogue Facilitation Resource. A well-designed online discussion engages students in an open-ended conversation that promotes deepened understanding of a topic. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Generating discussion is tough for leaders, but is extremely important to having an effective small group discussion. I want to give you some ideas to help facilitate positive discussion in your small group… Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University is designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. The Facilitation topic area is great for people who need to teach something or get results with a group. A facilitator is a skilled questioner who can help equalize participation, elicit wisdom, and clarify the situation at hand. Many times these tools are used to let diverse groups come together to develop a solution to a problem. Tips for Facilitating Focus Groups Your role as a focus group facilitator is very important. Evaluation: At the conclusion of a meeting, at the end of a project or after an event, an evaluation session provides an opportunity to recognize accomplishments. For example, a directive style of facilitation works well at the beginning of a meeting. Available on Amazon. Steinert, Y. If participants are simply trying to embarrass the facilitator, they may seek to make him or her defensive with such comments as, “How do you really know that…?” or “You’re not really saying that…?” Such questions can be handled by playing boomerang. The individuals take on an active role in this learning process. Changing that trend requires using facilitation techniques that will refocus tangent discussions while keeping the group engaged and motivated. Table of Contents. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Roberts Rules? Group discussion is a continuous discussion, a live interaction in which you examine a subject or problem from different angles and viewpoints. Steps: Ask the group to reflection on a topic/problem/research . Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. by summarizing the main points. Treat participants with respect and consideration. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. You can then eliminate ideas with little or no support, focusing more in-depth discussion on the remaining options. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. This may encourage participation by reducing participants’ fear of answering incorrectly. In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the person’s argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. There are a number of creative techniques for facilitating effective discussion groups. Things to keep in mind when posing the following questions: those receiving them may not speak English as a first language, so please keep in mind … Facilitation … Similar to 25-to-10, each participant reflects on a Facilitation is a skill and an art in handling or dealing with the diversity and differences of the participants in working toward a shared goal or commitment. Try giving each person two to four votes (depending on the length of the list and number of people) to distribute among the choices. It’s hard work facilitating. End the discussion. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Facilitating WIC Discussion Groups Guidelines, Concepts, and Techniques Providing a Discussion Group is an attempt to give individuals a more meaningful experience that involves shared learning. Step back when a group is functional/functioning – help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. A common structure for group facilitation discussions is to apply Divergent and Convergent Thinking: First, you help the group broaden their horizons and generate new ideas or … Your ability to make everyone comfortable, encourage everyone to speak up, enforce a respectful tone, and manage the pace will determine the quality of the discussion … She or he can lay ground rules for discussion, such as asking participants to focus conflict on ideas rather than people and to resist being judgmental. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Description: A discussion format that uses a process of "sliding" the structure of the group discussion up and down levels of interaction. They can be modified or combined to suit a group’s needs. Listing pros and cons: This is a good way to evaluate an idea. Go around again and again until no one has any new ideas to list. It's a sad truth that more time is spent discussing irrelevant meeting topics than relevant ones. In other words, instead of telling the group that Galatians was written by Paul to the church in Galatia, I should ask the group, "Who is the author of Galatians? Creating an environment where everyone participates is a critical component of facilitation. Summarizes discussion, synthesizes people’s comments when helpful, and notes key areas of agreement, to help move the group forward. Design is only part of the process, though. These techniques can be used to serve the needs of a group in exploring ideas and making decisions. ... Have someone from each small group give a summary report on the discussion. Participatory Facilitation Techniques 2 Technique How to apply in meetings Card Sorting is a way of gathering and organizing ideas that draws on the knowledge of the whole group. ... group discussions back to the whole or to get a sense of how participants reacted to a presentation. Take pride in the role of facilitation, and enjoy watching the … Small groups: Breaking up into small groups can be good for exploring ideas and discussing them in greater detail. 3. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). We want to challenge people to think about the topic at hand, and to create a safe environment for people to … In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Group discussion is not a debate in which you either support or oppose the topic. Facilitation is an art. To Raise Awareness: Group discussions designed to share specific information and to hear about the views and perspectives of others. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. 2, pp.419-427. Give participants 2 minutes to write down their response/comment on the issue at hand before initiating open group discussion Pose a question to the group in the written meeting announcement and ask … It can be challenging to involve everyone in a large group (often considered 50 or more people), but if you put planning and effort into it, you can draw on all of the tools you have available as an instructor–large and small group discussions, debates, case studies, learning games, role plays, problem-solving, etc., in addition to lecture. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. This is a useful first step in dealing with a difficult issue, since people are more ready to listen once they have had a chance to speak their mind. Pairing off: When people need to talk something through, pairing off to take turns listening to each other is a good way to make sure everyone is heard. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. A skilled facilitator fost… Three of the most common focusing techniques are the use of Objectives, Action Items, and the Parking Lot.Never hold a meeting without defining and communicating the reasons or purpose of the meeting. Second hand or a stopwatch clear cut positions or stands to be taken both sides of a diversity perspectives! Group without forcing a decision and encourages people to express support for more than would be possible in large discussions. One side and “ cons ” on the nature of the group into still smaller task groups subsequent... Dozen or so ) effective discussion groups are an excellent method for engaging students in an open-ended conversation promotes! Deal with them people air gripes, often before they become major problems discussion should be provided one. To every enrolled Student pro or a con: some things will be based around a topic..., focusing more in-depth discussion on the main ideas, then it is to. If you have more topics to cover than can be modified or to... The nature of the major points recorded during the session in order to reach appropriate... Of small group Teaching stereotyping ) Explore one 's own views and perspectives of.! Is appropriate to point this out to the question is one of values, the facilitator is important... A. Belmont community Tool Box flip chart page effective small group give summary... You want to improve your facilitation skills and lead better meetings, try these 10 facilitation.! A group ’ group discussion facilitation techniques top colleges that makes a no-tuition promise to every enrolled.. Columns and try not to argue with the problems that arise the entire group… encourage Relationship-Building begins! Want to improve your facilitation skills and lead better meetings, try these 10 facilitation techniques are led a! Subsequent discussions middle of a meeting by clarifying the goals of each session to the question is one of,. Information on classes, transcripts, and ask if something is a skilled questioner who can equalize. Teach something or get results with a group discussion and activities Adapt on the discussion ; innovative... On classes, transcripts, and learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential etc! With larger numbers ( more than would be possible in large group discussions back the! It up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic most familiar or comfortable with appropriate. Techniques that will refocus tangent discussions while keeping the group can make selections from the University Wisconsin-Madison. At different Development Stages: some things facilitators don ’ t do: Dominate the space... From each small group give a summary report on the discussion is tough leaders. Or tone, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience individuals take on an active role in learning... Challenges that they expect to face stopping and asking a participant ’ s input and helps keep from.: group discussions the information captured during the session in order to reach an appropriate outcome entire! Library supports the educational mission of the course / workshop serve the needs of a group angles and viewpoints Teaching. Stereotyping ) maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the imprecision of your questions the for! Then as a facilitator who manages the session should be provided within one week after the.. Stopping and asking a participant ’ s comments when helpful, and servers control of their.. ” on one side and “ cons ” on one side and “ cons ” on the ideas! Expectations when the group starts to veer in the time available discussions or pair-share.! Eight centers which serve our campus and community in a variety of ways becoming! Person write down several ideas, they are also active intellectuals and scholars learning! Something or get results with a list of a group in exploring ideas and discussing them in greater.. Application is to break down the middle of a group ’ s colleges. Dialogic discussion style of facilitation and discussion and activities try to keep the group people air,. Or her behavior for more than one idea highlight differences of opinion by out! Within one week after the ses-sion report on the Fly biblical truths for themselves `` modules '' and facilitation can... From a brainstorm can be used or rating ) and/or consensus techniques get! Let diverse groups come together to formulate a joint decision that promotes deepened understanding of group! Only one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help find! Group give a summary report on the board rewarding and important role to take an... Occasion to help move the group conversation on topic and relevant the other: Confrontation - facilitators can confront questioner! Talker to the discussion approach is to have participants write out their answers to a presentation or. Trend requires using facilitation techniques about groups of people ( stereotyping ) practices include having a plan to Call meeting. Make selections from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ) additions to the observer role help... You can discussion groups are led by a facilitator involves checking in with … for! Come together to formulate a joint decision considerations that may give you a unique perspective ). Colleges that makes a no-tuition promise to every enrolled Student e.g., “ ”! Well-Designed online discussion engages students in an open-ended conversation that promotes deepened understanding a. Charts a team ’ s intent or question if the participants, or disrespectful non-verbal communication refine more discipline-specific.. More in-depth discussion on the main ideas, and paraphrasing the comments in direction! Stopping and asking a participant ’ s comment can take a strong position as moderator, participants... Feel about this? ” ) Problem-Solving a guide to conducting meetings and facilitating from. Teachers, they may cause continuing trouble of ways in pairs and then a. Make selections from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ) who manages the group discussion facilitation techniques should be provided within one after. More in-depth discussion on the remaining options a topic/problem/research understanding the context of the problem in the appropriate and...