Tools for Teaching Navigation
Tools for Teaching: Introduction
Facilitation Skills: The art of group facilitation
- Self-Mastery Skills: What Does It Mean to Be a Facilitator?
- Presence and Presentation Skills
- Relating Skills: Communication, Listening, Questioning
- Group Awareness and Management Skills
- Logistic Skills
- References
Teaching and Presentation Skills: Keep these techniques in mind
Tips for Programs: Practical examples and resources
Group Awareness, Management and Exploration Skills
We have all known the frustrations and challenges that are inherent with group decision-making. Sometimes the end product is not what we thought it would be.
The fact that groups move through stages as they work through the decision-making process to solve problems is well known. Our files yielded three different descriptions of these stages (pdf), each capturing a different flavor of the process.
Kaner (2007, pdf, 274pp.) provides helpful insight into the group decision-making process and the role of the facilitator. Kaner and his associates have developed an explanation of group decision-making that reflects reality. Illustrations of the process along with a frank discussion of the trials and tribulations that face groups and their facilitators, is presented to let you know that if you are struggling or feeling frustrated, it is probably perfectly normal. In addition, this section on group facilitation skills provides some tools to help you as you facilitate different groups tackling different problems, issues and processes. Even the most skilled facilitators continue to learn each time they work with a new group. Enjoy your journey.
2. Intervention Skills
Managing group dynamics can be a challenge for even the most practiced of facilitators. This link offers some tips for working with difficult participants or challenging situations.
- Ten Difficult Group Participants
- Parliamentary Procedure
Reference
S. Kaner, L. Lind, C. Toldi, S. Fisk, & D. Berger. (2007). Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-making. Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This book is available for purchase. The pdf linked to this page was found March 2016 at http://knowledgecenter.completionbydesign.org/sites/default/files/198%20Kaner%202007.pdf
Adapted with permission from Soil and Water Conservation District Outreach: A Handbook for Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 2003.
