facilitating small groups
DESCRIPTION
This presentation was a part of a Mentor Training that I developed for a small faith based organization.TRANSCRIPT
FACILITATING SMALL GROUPSMentor Train-the-Trainer
COURSE GOALThis course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively facilitate small group sessions
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Participants will be able to:
Explain the various stages of group development
Identify the characteristics of adult learning
Explain the difference between training and facilitation
Describe small group facilitation skills and use them during teach-back activities
Understand the need to ensure cultural competency when facilitating a group
GROUPS
GROUP PROCESS
Cooperation Coordination Common Procedures Mutual Support
THE LIFECYCLE OF GROUPS
THE STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
GROUP DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Acquaintance Groundwork Working Closure
Interpersonal Issues Group Behavioral
Patterns Group Task/Issues Leadership Issues
THE LIFECYCLE OF GROUPS
Acquaintance Orientation
Groundwork Organization
Working Cohesiveness
Closure Separation and re-
entry
ACQUAINTANCE STAGE
Interpersonal Issues Inclusion
Group/Behavioral Patterns Identity
Group Task/Issues Dependence
Leadership Issues Commitment
GROUNDWORK STAGE
Interpersonal Issues Control
Group/Behavioral Patterns Norm Setting
Group Task/Issues Decision Making
Process Leadership Issues
Counter-Dependence
WORKING STAGE
Interpersonal Issues Affection
Group/Behavioral Patterns Negotiation/Cohesion
Group Task/Issues Functional Relationships
Leadership Issues Interdependence
CLOSURE STAGE
Interpersonal Issues Separation
Group/Behavioral Patterns Growth and Insight
Group Task/Issues Application & Productivity
Leadership Issues Independence
ADULT LEARNING
CHILDHOOD VS ADULT LEARNING
Major Differences Learners Role Motivation for
Learning Choice of Content Method of Focus
ADULT LEARNING OCCURS BEST WHEN… It is self-directed Fills an immediate need Is participatory in nature Provides feedback Shows respect for learner Occurs in a comfortable
environment
THE LEARNING PROCESS
Knowledge “I know”
Skills “I can”
Attitudes “I will”
Competence “I show”
Performance “I do”
FACILITATION
TRAINING
To Coach or accustom a mode of behavior To provide knowledge of; instruct in To carry on instruction on a regular basis
FACILITATION
The act of making easier
Increasing the likelihood or effectiveness of a behavior or a response
TRAINING VS FACILITATION-WHAT HAPPENS?
TRAINING FACILITATION
You tell and show You talk You have the knowledge You have the experience Requires more
preparation
Participants work it out Participants talk You both have the
knowledge You both have the
experience Requires less
preparation
FACILITATION
ACTIVITIES
FACILITATION ACTIVITIES
PRESENTATION DEMONSTRATION
Conveys information Lecture/ Q & A Useful for large groups Conveys lots of material
in a short time Provides an overview
Teaches a specific skill Models a step by step
approach Easy to focus
participants attention Requires planning Not useful in large
groups
FACILITATION ACTIVITIES
CASE STUDY ROLE PLAY
Written description of a situation
Participants can relate to study
Participant are involved Use of analysis and
discussion Not always one right
solution
Two or more individuals act out scenario
Helps to challenge attitudes
Spontaneous Enables participants to
explore alternative scenarios and approaches
FACILITATION ACTIVITIES
SIMULATION SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
Enactment of real-life situation
Participants are able to discover and react
High level of involvement
Applies knowledge, develops skills
Enhances problem-solving skills
Participants learn from each other
Clarifies personal values Participation encouraged Promotes teamwork
The Facilitator
s Role
THE FACILITATOR ROLE
Attending Clarifying Supporting Informing Probing Motivating Evaluation Problem Solving
THE FACILITATORS ROLE
ATTENDING CLARIFYING
Reflect before responding
Use brief responses Use phrases, terms
familiar to participants Be spontaneous
Perception checking Clarification of
alternatives Request for further
information
THE FACILITATORS ROLE
SUPPORTING PROBING
Involves actively providing feedback
Communicates feelings of security
Acknowledgement of persons feelings
Facilitators attempt to gain more information
Used to guide the discussion
Open-ended questions Exploratory in nature
MANAGING A CHALLENGING GROUP
Distracted Participant Expert Joker Late Arriver/Early Leaver Nay-sayer Quiet One Side-Bar Talker
MANAGING A CHALLENGING GROUP
Interrupter Corrector Long-Winded Grouch Prisoner
THE MEANING AND USE OF SILENCE
Attending Listening Shows support Opportunity for participants to talk Use as a method to probe Fatigue
CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Group differences Culture Ethnicity Value diversity Self-Assessment
Cultural Knowledge Cultural Awareness Cultural Sensitivity
SIX BASIC GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER! Introduce the purpose Talk about yourself and your
qualifications Provide an overview or agenda Establish ground rules Explain anticipated outcome Build trust and respect with the group
Happy Facilitating!