This Tip discusses starting facilitator guides with an overview of the training philosophy to put trainers in a participatory training mindset.
Over the past weeks, we have focused on the information that a facilitator needs to have in order to effectively deliver training. The answers to the eight questions involved in designing a facilitator guide will be different. It is dependent upon the nature of the training and the specific needs of the facilitator.
However, I have found that it is useful to include general information about group facilitation techniques at the very beginning of any facilitator guide. This is prompted by the fact that most of the facilitator guides that I have developed have been for technical experts. They were more familiar with lecture than with the participatory interaction built into the training.
Prior to getting into the group facilitation techniques themselves, I like to begin with an overview of the training philosophy.
Overview of Training Philosophy
Exercise Structure
The exercises have been structured to:
- treat the participants with respect,
- set them up for successful learning, and
- use the training time as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Build on What Participants Know
To this end, please take care not to insult the participants and waste time by teaching them what they already know.
This includes advice to increase the probability that the participants will be motivated to learn the information. For example, give the technical information in small doses. Accomplish buy-in by building upon what they already know from their personal experiences.
Workshop Atmosphere
The workshop atmosphere should be comfortable and informal. We strongly encourage physical activities, such as throwing a koosh ball or soft bean bag. Take ten minute breaks every hour, to keep the participants fresh and energized.
Ask Questions, Limit Lecture
There is a good possibility that the participants already have some or most of the information. For this reason, the focus of the exercises is to draw the information from them. The instructor had make additional enhancements as needed. This may include prompting them with questions that will help them discover the correct or complete answer. Or, it may involve having them review reference pages to try to discover the answers themselves.
We use small group discussion, augmented by instructor lecture, when it is likely that some of the participants know some of the answers. But they may also need the instructor to provide clarification and/or validation.
Use lecture only when it is likely that none of the participants will know the answers.
Time Use
In the lesson plan that follows, the times are approximate- within each section. This does not mean that you will be able to run over into the time period allotted to the next section. You will get into your own flow on this. You may also have to make some decisions regarding unanticipated issues that come up. However, make sure that all participant activities are completed by the participants.
This Training Philosophy is intended to establish a new mind set for the facilitators. Other secions included in the Group Facilitation Techniques portion of the facilitator guide reinforce the interactive nature of the training.
In the weeks that follow, we will add information regarding how to:
- Create a Sense of Community
- Maintain a Smooth Flow
- Assign an Exercise
- Model the Assignment
- Check for Comprehension
- Debrief Exercises
- Respond to Participant Questions
- Wait for Participant Responses
- Dignify Incorrect Answers
- Refocus a Discussion Monopolizer
If your trainers would benefit from learning how to design a facilitator guide, please book a call to discuss a tailored train the trainer program. https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/
