facilitation 101: facilitation for local college access networks
DESCRIPTION
Facilitation techniques for Local College Access Networks and Coordinators.TRANSCRIPT
Facilitation for College Access
Ryan Fewins-BlissConsultant, Fewins-Bliss Consulting
Collective Impact Coach, Michigan College Access Network
FACILITATION
The process of making something easier…
The process of assisting in the progress of…
Potential LCAN Needs for Facilitation Asset Mapping Network Building Strategic Planning Forming a Common Agenda Data Analysis Action Planning Everyday Meetings &
Convenings
• Flexibility
• Organization
• Energy
• Charisma
• Welcoming
• Inclusive
• Listener
• Nonjudgmental
• Challenging
• Encouraging
• Content Knowledge
• Humor
• Memory
Qualities of a Great Facilitator
Pre-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator
• Send out meeting reminders• Ensure there is an agenda• Gather your materials & resources• Plan the space• Test the technology!• Plan for food and/or drinks• Know the expected attendees• Anticipate potential questions
• Optional: Plant a ringer
In-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator
• Provide a warm, inclusive welcome• If appropriate, allow introductions• Ensure the group understands the
process/plan/goals• Spark & Guide the discussion• Be mindful of time• Ensure notes are being taken• Use names!• Use experience to illustrate points• Speak as little as possible/necessary• Ask clarifying questions• Provide content knowledge• Affirm participation• Boomerang, when necessary
Post-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator
• Follow up as promised• Wrap up loose ends• Distribute minutes/notes• Reach out appropriately to
those not able to attend• Touch base with at least
one attendee to get some feedback
• Move the conversation/initiative forward to next steps or meetings
The Toolbox
ICEBREAKERUsed to build connection
between a team – to learn names – no
content outcome – short – typically not used once
a team has been working together for a
while
EXAMPLE: “Find someone who…”
Bingo
ENERGIZERUsed when a group is
losing energy/interest/focus – often good after a meal
or long meeting – no content outcome – often
physical – very quick
EXAMPLE: Head, Shoulders, Knees and
Toes
ACTIVITYUsed to illustrate or provide content to a group – often time
consuming – sometimes high risk – experiential –
requires a debriefing
EXAMPLE: Stand and Declare or The
Poverty Simulation
Areas of Potential Conflict
• Data• Philosophy of Education (or anything else!)• The process• Blame• Credentials, Manufacturing, Definition of
College• Necessity of post-secondary education• Students who aren’t “college material”• Parents• What college used to be
• Immediate record of what is said + Permanent record for official minutes
• Express complex ideas
• Gives everyone a common concept
• Makes group more accountable
• Addresses multiple learning styles
Graphic Facilitation
Sometimes our work calls us to use technology to reach a larger audience. Often, we meet wholly using technology and just as often one or two participants are using technology to join an in-person meeting. The role of the facilitator is extremely important in these cases.
Conference & Skype Calls
• The facilitator must model inclusion of everyone – sometimes calling on people by name since you cannot see body language.
• Encourage people to use the mute function – or force them to.
• If possible, do a roll call.
• Send materials beforehand.
• Be wary of breaks.
• Have the right equipment – microphones, cameras, internet connection…
Conference & Skype Calls
Do’s, Don’ts & Role of the Facilitator: http://bit.ly/Tqhp2N
Resource: