An effective facilitator leads so that participants know that the group is in charge, that each person has to play a role. A facilitator suggests ways and uses tools to help the group move forward, but makes no decisions for the group. Traditionally, teachers are the ones with knowledge and expertise in a particular field. They impart that knowledge through a variety of means to their students.
Facilitators build on the knowledge base of the group of students and/or teachers to find the answers to questions or wonderings. Teaching imparts knowledge and instructing imparts skills. Therefore a teacher is one who teaches you about a subject and helps you reach understanding and an instructor is one who instructs you on how to accomplish a task.
The facilitator’s job is to support everyone to do their best thinking. They create an environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, understand one another’s point of view and share responsibility. In doing so, a facilitator looks to build sustainability. Sometimes, despite a common goal frames of reference are very different. What seems reasonable to one person, may place too many demands on another...mix that with a variety of interpersonal communication styles and learning pathways and it' sNOT an enviable role!
Other issues include clarifying, resolving conflicts and unexpected changes which occur DAILY in the classroom. In situations like these, better decisions are made if there is an embracement of a a facilitative mind and skill set which is merely there to support them to do their best thinking. This often accomplishes the bigger picture by empowering all of the puzzle pieces to collaborate together for the greater good.
Communication
Active Listening
Rapport Building
Structuring and recording facts and feelings
Developing Synergy
Effective Techniques of Questioning
No comments:
Post a Comment