Sunday, September 19, 2010

Facilitation Techniques

Our class subject this week was focused on how one can most effectively facilitate an activity. One of the first things that was pointed out was the subtle difference in identifying yourself as "leader" or a "facilitator". In my opinion, I think a group would be more likely to engage themselves in the activity and open themselves up when it is led by a "facilitator" because it is not such an authoritative term and the participants would have less reason to feel intimidated. Other key aspects of facilitating an effective activity depend on being in an atmosphere that is conducive to the activity and, what may be the most important factor in all of this, the reflection on the activity. It is through reflecting that the participants come to realize what they have learned and how it can be applied to other aspects of their lives. Without reflection, the meaning of the activity might just get lost in the fun of everything and "teachable moments" will pass right on by.... That's one of the things that I am most looking forward to experiencing out in the field; being able to create and facilitate experiences that people not only enjoy, but learn from as well :) It's funny, I think that realization just came to me while reflecting on what I learned in class. Ironic.
Until next time, Katie

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