Description
Course Description: This interactive and comprehensive course focuses on developing essential facilitation skills for trainers and professionals in various contexts. The course will provide participants with a strong foundation in understanding group dynamics, fostering open communication, and managing group decision-making processes. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, participants will gain the confidence and expertise to effectively facilitate meetings, workshops, and other group interactions in diverse settings. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Define the role and key competencies of a facilitator in different contexts. Apply various facilitation techniques and tools to effectively manage group dynamics, promote engagement, and encourage active participation. Demonstrate active listening and questioning skills to foster open communication and create an inclusive environment. Utilize problem-solving and decision-making strategies to support group consensus and manage conflict effectively. Design and implement interactive sessions, workshops, and meetings that address the specific needs and goals of a group. Evaluate and reflect on their facilitation practice to continuously improve and adapt to different situations. Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusion in facilitation and apply strategies to ensure an equitable and respectful environment. Implement techniques for virtual facilitation to effectively engage and manage remote participants. This course teaches strategies for facilitation of discussion and decision-making in meetings, workshops or any other sort of community dialogue. It gives techniques for developing the vision and values that will guide the group's work. It offers guidance on how to ensure that everyone with input contributes their ideas and suggestions; how to keep track of what has been decided and what is still under discussion; and how to allow time for creative thinking, planning and problem-solving. The course uses principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a way of communicating that focuses on what we are observing, feeling, needing and requesting rather than on judgement or blame. It offers specific techniques for building group rapport and momentum, and for overcoming challenges such as conflict, boredom and lack of participation. This course will be of interest to people who would like to contribute more effectively in community meetings and events, whether as a volunteer or a committee member. It will enable you to support a vision for a group's future and help the group agree practical next steps. Course Outline: Module 1: Introduction to Facilitation SkillsDefining facilitation and its importanceThe role of a facilitatorKey characteristics of an effective facilitatorCommon facilitation challenges and how to address themModule 2: Preparation and Planning for Successful FacilitationSetting clear objectives and goalsSelecting appropriate facilitation techniquesPreparing an effective agendaIdentifying and managing stakeholder expectationsLogistics and resource planningModule 3: Establishing an Inclusive and Collaborative EnvironmentBuilding trust and rapport with participantsEncouraging open communication and active listeningFostering diversity and inclusionFacilitating virtual and hybrid meetingsModule 4: Facilitation Techniques and ToolsBrainstorming and idea generationProblem-solving and decision-making techniquesGroup dynamics and team-building activitiesConsensus-building and conflict resolution strategiesUtilizing technology and digital tools for effective facilitationModule 5: Managing Group Dynamics and Handling Difficult SituationsRecognizing and addressing groupthinkNavigating power dynamics and hidden agendasManaging disruptive behaviors and challenging personalitiesAdapting to unexpected changes and maintaining focusModule 6: Evaluating and Improving Facilitation SkillsGathering feedback and conducting self-assessmentIdentifying areas for growth and improvementDeveloping a personal action plan for ongoing skill developmentStaying updated on industry trends and best practices
