study group facilitator handbook - bradley university

Study Group Facilitator Handbook

Thank you for volunteering your time and knowledge as a facilitator for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Bradley University!

This go-to guide is a valuable resource you can use to make your experience as a facilitator a rewarding one for both you and your students.

About OLLI at Bradley

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University (OLLI) is an organization of 1,200 Peoria-area residents, ages 50+, whose members share a common goal: to remain vital and active in their late career and post-career lives.

For 24 years, Bradley University has sponsored educational programs for lifelong learners. The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), Bradley's first program, began in 1994 with 84 participants and 10 classes. In 2019, more than 1,200 individuals will participate in approximately 325 programs, including classes, study groups, educational travel, and special events.

In 2008, The Bernard Osher Foundation awarded Bradley University’s Continuing Education Division a grant to further support the ILR. This distinction resulted in a new name, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Bradley University. In both 2010 and 2014, The Osher Foundation awarded Bradley with a $1 million endowment gift.

Today, OLLI at Bradley is recognized as by The Osher Foundation as a national program of distinction that provides its members a diverse collection of year-round programs, including classes, educational travel, study groups, and co-sponsored programs. To learn more about OLLI, please visit our website, bradley.edu/olli.

Continuing Education Office and Staff

The Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Bradley University connects the University with the community through educational programs and services for

https://www.bradley.edu/olli

https://www.bradley.edu/olli

https://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/aboutus/

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P:\coe\OLLI\Study Group Resources\Study Group Facilitator Training\Study Group Facilitator Handbook 2019.docx

youth, professionals, and lifelong learners. Our staff is proud to provide outstanding customer service.

The following staff members are your primary contacts for OLLI programming. Please contact us with any questions or requests.

Michelle Riggio

Associate Director, Continuing Education and OLLI Director

(309) 677-3900 [email protected]

Catherine Lawless Program Director (309) 677-3900

[email protected]

Diana Klein

Program Coordinator (309) 677-3900

[email protected]

Bonnie Davis

University Support Contact for Classes and Study Groups


Gwen Howarter

University Support Contact for Learning Trips and Special Events


About The Bernard Osher Foundation

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a patron of education and the arts known as “the quiet philanthropist.” Osher is a respected businessman and community leader whose namesake Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life through support for higher education and the arts.

There are 122 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) spanning all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each is an independently operated lifelong learning initiative of its host college or university and is supported in part by The Bernard Osher Foundation.

mailto:[email protected]





http://www.osherfoundation.org/

http://nrc.northwestern.edu/

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OLLI Study Groups and Facilitators

OLLI study groups are part of our non-credit (no required tests or grades) lifelong learning community, which is focused on providing opportunities for socialization and sense of belonging, a wide variety of high-quality experiences, an inviting and friendly atmosphere, and an outlet to feel relevant to and to keep growing intellectually.

Study groups are in-depth learning experiences that encourage interactive participation by members. They are led by facilitators, who establish group expectations and areas of study. As active, involved learners, members often complete outside reading and sometimes make in-class presentations. Study groups meet for 2-hour sessions one day a week, anywhere between 4 – 8 weeks.

Study groups are characterized by the anticipated level of member participation:

Discussion-based: participants may be asked to read material and participate in whole group discussions

Participation-based: participations may be asked to read material, participate in small group breakouts/discussions, do research, and/or make brief oral reports

Practice-based: participants may be asked to learn a skill set and engage in practice between sessions

Study group facilitators are volunteers who want to pursue a topic of interest. That topic does not require vocational expertise; instead, many topics are chosen purely based upon avocational passion. The selection of a topic that you feel passionate about or interested in is vital to the success of your study group.

Study groups are held on the Bradley University campus and throughout the Peoria community. The OLLI Study Group Site Index is included with this document in the appendix. Groups usually have a minimum of 7 and maximum of 20 participants; the limits are set by facilitators.

The Study Group Committee Process

OLLI study groups meet in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Winter term is held from the third week of January to the end of February. Spring is held in March, April, and May (excluding Wednesdays to avoid conflict with OLLI classes). Summer is held in June, July, and August. Fall is held in September, October, November, and sometimes into the first week or two of December (usually excluding Wednesdays to avoid conflict with OLLI classes).

The Study Group Committee meets approximately 4-5 months before the start of each term, during which volunteers brainstorm ideas and recruit facilitators. Potential facilitators are asked to complete a worksheet (via Word, Adobe pdf, or online), which is the document staff uses to schedule your group and prepare audio visual equipment. The worksheet includes the logistics of your group, including a title, reading material, days/dates/times, guest speakers, and AV equipment.

https://www.bradley.edu/academic/continue/lifelong/olli/study/

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When describing your group, please remember the key is to explain why someone should take it, rather than listing what you’ll do during the meetings. At the end of the planning session, a volunteer category coordinator will notify you that your worksheet has been accepted and your group is on the schedule for the upcoming season.

After that notification, there will be “radio silence” from the staff for approximately six weeks as we work to complete the season’s brochure, but your volunteer coordinator will be available to help answer any questions while you continue to prepare for your group. We encourage you to reach out to your coordinator during this time. You will then receive a letter via USPS from the office confirming your group time, location, and audio visual needs, inviting you to the season’s luncheon, and offering you the choice of a free class, study group, or gift card. (Please note: one-time guest facilitators or guest speakers will receive thank you cards).

You will receive a group roster with names, telephone numbers, and email addresses approximately two weeks before the start of your group. If you need the information sooner, please contact the Continuing Education office, but note that registrations are often received up to a week before the start of groups.

Once these logistic hurdles are tackled, you will have time to really “dig in” and prepare for the group meetings.

Your Role in Our Learning Community

Since its inception in 1994, our lifelong learning program has relied on the volunteer efforts of our facilitators. Although you do not receive monetary compensation, many facilitators have found working with our members to be a rich and rewarding experience – enough so to ask to lead another group.

OLLI subscribes to an environment of thoughtful discussion and mutual respect which is at the heart of a university-based experience. We value our participants and those who volunteer to share their time, talent, and organizations with us. These ideals enable us to enjoy the constructive exchange of ideas and remain informed and excited as lifelong learners. We embrace these ideals as a commitment to civility and academic freedom.

Our members’ personal information (addresses, phone numbers, emails) is not shared, sold, or used for non-OLLI related activities. In addition, study groups may not support or oppose political parties, candidates, or political issues; they may not be used to sell or promote products or services; they may not be used to generate client lists, nor may they be used to promote sectarian points of view.

Preparing for Your Study Group Expect an informal, friendly atmosphere. Our members dress casually and interact easily among themselves. Many OLLI members are highly engaged learners who are either retired or soon to be retired from accomplished careers. They bring their own expertise and life

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experiences to the group, which makes for lively exchanges. The average age of our students is 65-75, and, as noted above, the majority are extremely inquisitive. We are confident you will find it a pleasure to work with them.

Identifying your group’s goals and objectives is of utmost importance – your starting place is to identify what you want to achieve. For instance, what do you realistically hope for your group to attain? If you are leading a group on modern American history, where will you begin and end? What can you realistically cover in the allotted time? If you need help getting to this point, please reach out to your volunteer coordinator.

Your next step is to identify the materials you’ll need to accomplish those goals. Consider handouts, movie clips, exhibits, magazine clippings, posters, and group projects. The options are endless and these items can add new learning experiences for your students. Also consider if you want to make reading assignments, request individual research and presentations, and host guest speakers.

Please keep copyright information in mind when planning to show clips from a movie or other materials. Contact the OLLI Director for further guidance regarding copyrights.

After you have defined your learning objectives, you may find it helpful to write an outline to share with your class. Facilitators are not required to prepare a syllabus, but staff does recommend an overall outline, as it can help members anticipate the flow of the group. In addition, easy-to-read handouts are helpful and always appreciated by the members.

Many study group participants enjoy the opportunity to do optional work outside of group meetings to delve deeper into their learning. If you have the resources (such as a reading suggestions or websites to visit), we encourage you to offer it to your group. Please also provide a copy of this material to staff for our records.

In most cases, OLLI study groups are held in locations with free, plentiful parking. In the rare instance in which a group is held on campus, facilitators are instructed to use the Visitor’s Center parking lot, adjacent to the Bradley University bookstore. Limited space may be available; a quarter is needed to exit.

Each day, please go directly to your classroom to meet your host, who will provide your name tent, any handouts you requested, and assistance with audio visual needs. Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of your group.

On the last day of your group, the host will announce that evaluations will be emailed to all participants (and you). All evaluations are reviewed by staff and volunteers at the next Study Group Committee meeting, usually held a few weeks after the season. Staff will email you a summary of your evaluations at that time as well.

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Audio-Visual Considerations

As noted on your study group proposal worksheet, the technology and audio visual equipment available to facilitators include laptops, projectors and screens, internet access, clickers, CD players, VCRs, podiums, and microphones. OLLI does not have technicians on site for assistance, however, so it is incumbent upon each facilitator to have a working understanding of the technology chosen for the group.

OLLI provides free jump drives so you can save presentations, copy materials for your students, and have a backup in case of a technology fail at your location. As a reminder, be sure to always bring adapters and power cords with your laptop (especially if you use a Mac). It is also recommended that you set your laptop resolution to 1024 x 768 for maximum visibility on projectors.

As we know, internet may be slow or occasionally unavailable, leading to frustrating instructional delays. Facilitators, especially those using video and music files, are advised to burn a CD/DVD (also supplied by OLLI) OR download web-based materials to that flash drive before group meetings to avoid potential problems or delays.

The Continuing Education office is happy to make photocopies for your group. In an effort to save paper, we do ask each facilitator to carefully consider the format and amount of handouts necessary. For PowerPoint presentation copies, we recommend three slides per page and double-sided printing (anything above three slides is difficult to read).

It is preferable to receive your handout in electronic form so that we may save it to our files; however, you may also drop off hard copies at our office.

Email is the most common method of communication between our facilitators and members. Please note: members’ contact information is private and may not be used or shared without permission. If you wish to email your entire group, please use the “bcc” (blind carbon copy) address block and place your address in the “to” block.

It is extremely important to have a backup of any material – please email the OLLI Director your materials or contact her to set up a Google Drive shared folder.

For presentations, we recommend use of PowerPoint. Here are some quick tips for effective PowerPoint presentations:

Select a single sans-serif font such as Arial or Helvetica with at least 24-point size

Use a maximum of 6-8 words per line.

Use dark text on light background.

Consider converting it to a PDF for consistency across PowerPoint versions.

Avoid reading the slides.

Use a clicker so you can move around as you speak. Face your audience as often as possible.

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Facilitator Best Practices

An OLLI study group facilitator has many tools available to maintain a positive attitude, keep the group learning, build on small agreements, learn and reflect, and ensure others are responsible for their own behavior.

Best Practices for working with OLLI members:

Speak loudly enough so everyone can hear

Make the environment comfortable and leave time for breaks (every 45-60 minutes)

Facilitate discussion and let the group direct themselves in the learning process

Have a list of questions ready to prompt discussions

Use open-ended questions to bring out the vast experiences of your students

Have a housekeeping/recap time to answer questions from previous meetings

Keep the discussion focused and summarize key points (or ask others to)

Best Practices to keep your group focused during a discussion:

At the outset of the group, ask everyone to agree on desired outcomes and ground rules

Focus on the learning – remind members of things they’ve learned or realized

Don’t let members shoot others’ (or their own) ideas down

“I’d like to make sure everyone knows why we’re here and where we’re going …”

“During last week’s group, we agreed …”

“For the next five minutes we are going to brainstorm possible research topics …”

Best Practices to help your group when it seems confused, stuck, or is in an argument:

Take a step back and ask (but don’t answer) these strategic questions o Who are we? What did we plan to study? How did we agree to get there?

Restate a question addressed to facilitator and address it to the group

Avoid answering questions

Make observations about what is going on in the group

If something is not working, get it out in the open and ask group to address

“Everyone is very quiet. What does this mean?”

“You seem confused. What is causing the confusion?”

Remind and enforce agreements made by the group

Refocus and make sure group is talking together about the same idea

“Let’s get back on track. We were discussing ….”

“Jane, could you hold onto your ideas until we finish this discussion?”

Respond and validate all ideas by responding to each one o Acknowledge contribution o Choose to deal with it now or defer until later o Agree with member about how to move forward o Move on

If there is a habitual or disruptive situation, contact the OLLI Director for assistance

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Appendix A: Study Group Hosts

Each facilitator is paired with an OLLI study group host, who will introduce your group, ensure you have the equipment as requested, and assist with treats and other needs. Your host should make contact with you approximately two weeks before the start of your group to request a short bio and ask if you have any questions about parking or other procedures. Hosts are provided the following helpful hints: BEFORE THE GROUP BEGINS:

Contact the facilitator(s) to confirm group dates, times, and location.

Ask for a brief biography so you can introduce facilitator(s) on the first day.

At least one week prior to the start of your group, please contact Bonnie Davis at the Continuing Education office (309-677-2523, [email protected]) to arrange for the pickup of your host packet, which includes blank name tents, markers, rosters with contact info, , supplies (cups, napkins, etc.), handouts, and new member folders. Please note: all evaluation forms (participant and facilitator) are now distributed via email.

Host packets will be available three days prior to the start of your group. HANDOUTS AND PHOTOCOPIES:

Staff needs a minimum of ONE WEEK to complete handout distribution.

Encourage facilitators to provide handouts in a digital format (via email attachments) so we can either email the information to group participants or post them on OLLI’s webpage. Doing so can greatly reduce our paper use and photocopying charges.

Please tell your facilitators to email any documents (for photocopying or digital distribution) to Bonnie Davis ([email protected]). Hardcopies can be dropped off at Continuing Education. DURING THE STUDY GROUP:

On the first day, please arrive on site at least 30 minutes before the group begins to introduce yourself to location staff, become familiar with tornado shelter areas and fire evacuation routes, set up room, and prepare water/coffee. On other days, please arrive 20 minutes early.



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You will bring snacks for the first session, then circulate a sign-up sheet (included in appendix) with dates of subsequent meetings for volunteers to bring snacks. Please remind the next week’s volunteer so they remember their snacks!

Please make our facilitators and members feel welcome. Remember that you may be their first contact with OLLI and Bradley University.

Close door at the beginning of session and turn lights on/off if technology is used.

Remind the group that if inclement weather closes Bradley University, that day’s group will also be postponed.

Ask if there are any new OLLI members, welcome them, and provide new member folder.

Inform participants about the restroom locations, tornado shelters, and fire evacuation routes. (Information for each facility is included in the appendix).

Ask participants to turn off (or silence, so typing won’t interfere with discussion) all cell phones/tablets at the beginning of meeting.

Introduce the facilitator and review his/her group format.

Distribute any handouts as directed by the facilitator. If a participant is absent, keep a handout with name tents until the next session.

Help the instructor with audio-visual equipment.

Help the facilitator to begin and end the meeting promptly, remembering the mid-session break.

Report any room or equipment problems to the facility’s point of contact.

At the end of each meeting, check condition of room, tidy up, and collect/keep name tents.

LAST MEETING OF GROUP:

Please remind members that evaluations are emailed and include suggestions for OLLI Lapel Pins. These pins are awarded annually to 10-12 volunteers, members, and friends of OLLI who have made a difference in our learning community.

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Distribute, collect, and return leftover supplies and name tents completed forms to Continuing Education office, along with any.

GENERAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

As the host for a Study Group, you may encounter emergency situations. We ask that you exercise your best judgement in such situations.

Please do the following:

Familiarize yourself your location’s tornado shelter areas and evacuation routes in case of fire.

Be prepared to call 911 in case of an emergency and be ready to tell emergency responders the address, easiest entrance into the facility, room number, etc.

Follow the emergency procedures for your location (per staff at your location) and communicate those procedures to the group at the first meeting.

After any emergency, please report the details of the incident to the Continuing Education office as soon as possible.

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Appendix B: Study Group Site Index

Bradley University Michel Student Center 915 N. Elmwood Avenue Peoria, IL 61625 Contact: Bonnie Davis, Continuing Education office, (309) 677-2523; [email protected]

Executive Suite: 45 (projector and screen)

Room 202: 20 (projector and screen)

Room 203: 24

Room 1: 12

Room 2: 16

Room 3: 14

Room 5: 48

Room 6: 45 (projector and screen)

Coffee/Snacks: Coffee must be ordered through the Continuing Education Office; treats may be brought on site in most rooms (no food or drinks allowed in Caterpillar Global Communications Center Room 124). Internet Accessibility/Technology: Connect to the wireless BUguest network, type in your personal email address and click “accept” (do not hit enter on your keyboard). Parking Availability: Use the Visitor's Lot (exit tokens available from Continuing Education Office or you may use a quarter); off-street parking; participants may park in any white- or blue-lined space from mid-May to mid-August, and from mid-December to mid-January. Site Notes Advantages:

Continuing Education Office nearby and staff assistance more obtainable

Technology more accessible

Technology support available (through Continuing Education office) Disadvantages:

Parking generally inconvenient, particularly during daytime study group sessions


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Goodwill Commons 2319 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 (access to the building is from Route 29 onto Lorentz Drive) While it a War Memorial address, you cannot reach it from War Memorial. You can only access it from Rte. 29. For instance, If you are heading east on War Memorial, exit War Memorial (before getting on the bridge) to go to Rte 29. Turn left (north) on 29 and turn left Lorentz, the second stop light. If Traveling north on 29 from downtown, go under the bridge and turn at Lorentz. If traveling west across the bridge, take the Rte 29 exit, turn left on to Rte 29 and turn left at Lorentz, the first stoplight. If traveling south on 29, the Lorentz stoplight is the first stoplight after Gardner Lane, about 2.5 miles away. Contact: Beth Hardy, 309-682-1113, ext. 2106. Email: [email protected] Available rooms:

Two rooms with computers; can be configured as needed Coffee/snacks: Snacks can be brought in, but no coffee maker available. Must bring bottled water; soda machine also on site. Please tell participants to bring own beverages. Internet Accessibility/Technology

Good, rooms used to teach online classes

Parking Availability

Ample number available for study group participants Site Notes: Advantages:

Centrally-located in Peoria

Large rooms will easily seat 15 people

Parking/handicapped parking near the front entrance Disadvantages:

Will be a learning curve to get to the facility (no access from War Drive)

tel:(309)%20682-1113


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Heartis Senior Living Village 8201 North Illinois Route 91, Peoria, IL, 61615 Contact: Lynette Steger, (309) 693-3960, [email protected] Available rooms:

One conference room with sink, counter, and refrigerator (est. 20-25 seating)

Two other rooms with large television monitors Coffee/snacks:

Heartis offered to provide treats and coffee for all groups Internet Accessibility/Technology

Projectors, screens, internet available Parking Availability

Ample number available for study group participants Site Notes: Advantages:


Large rooms will easily seat 15 people



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Hult Center for Healthy Living 5215 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL, 61614 Contact: Nicki Bushman, (309) 692-6650; [email protected] Available rooms:

Conference room with white board (dry erase), with seating capacity for approximately 12-15 people. Coffee/snacks: Host must prepare coffee on site, using OLLI supplies, using Hult’s coffee-maker Internet Accessibility/Technology

Facilitators must provide their own laptops, projectors and extension cords (or arrange with OLLI office to use OLLI equipment). Site has screen for projection.

Wireless network available

Internet speed: web pages loaded quickly and video accessibility/playback was very good


Use parking spaces adjacent in lot west of building; ample number available for study group participants Site Notes: Advantages:


Conference room will easily seat 10-15 people



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Lutheran Hillside Village 6901 N. Galena Road Peoria, IL 61614 Contacts: Lori Emhoff, dining services manager, (schedules Private Dining Room) (309) 689-2281; [email protected] Rachel Keistler, activities manager (schedules Galena Room and 2nd Floor Conference Room) 309 689-2127; [email protected] Available rooms:

Conference room holds a maximum of 15 people

Private Dining Room can hold 15-20 (depending on how configured, type of group)

Galena Room holds much larger numbers of people, but can be used by smaller groups

Facility also offers several alcove areas nearby which can be used for breakout discussions Coffee/snacks

Facility provides coffee and water; OLLI volunteers provide snacks. Internet Accessibility/Technology

No internet in private dining room or Galena Room; limited access in Conference Room

Facilitators must provide their own laptops and tech support is not available Parking Availability

Parking lot adjacent to building usually has plentiful spaces. Site Notes Advantages:

Good parking accessibility

Coffee/water are provided by facility

Several available rooms Disadvantages:

Lack of internet accessibility in some rooms

Tech support not available

Conference Room on 2nd Floor not available on Tuesday mornings (managers’ meeting)



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Peoria NEXT Innovation Center 815 W. Main Street Peoria, IL 61606 Contact: Karen Smallberger, (309) 495-7238; [email protected] Available rooms A120: 12 maximum A217: 17 maximum A114: 24 maximum Coffee/Snacks

Coffee/water provided; snacks provided by participants

Cutlery, plates, napkins provided by OLLI

Internet Accessibility/Technology

Internet accessible; should only be scheduled for groups requiring technology

Use the wireless network BUvisitor

Password: none required Parking Availability

Parking/handicapped parking available in lot behind the building Site Notes Advantages:

Excellent parking

Helpful staff

Excellent internet access

Disadvantages:

Building is locked between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. each day. Cannot schedule afternoon groups before 1:30 p.m.


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Peoria Public Library Contact: All requests must be made in writing, form is available by calling (309) 497-2143, 497-2150, or emailing [email protected]. North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615 (closed Tuesday)

McKenzie Room, 118 (large screen for projection)

Seminar Room, 20 (use screen or wall for projection)

Beehive, 80 Lakeview Branch, 1137 W. Lake, Peoria, IL 61614

Lakeview Room: 44

Storytime Room: 50 Lincoln Branch, 1312 W. Lincoln, Peoria, IL 61605 (closed Wednesday)

Lincoln Room: 20

Carnegie Room: 12

Hot Air Balloon Room: 75 (screen and projector) Main Branch, 107 NE Monroe, Peoria, IL 61603

Auditorium: 80 (mounted screen)

Conference Room: 40 (podium)

Classroom A: 20

Classroom B: 21 McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure, Peoria, IL 61604 (closed Sundays)

McClure Room: 20 Coffee/Snacks

Coffee/water provided; snacks provided by participants


Internet Accessibility/Technology: Facilitators must provide their own laptops (or arrange with CE office to use OLLI equipment)

Advantages:

Excellent parking Disadvantages:

Groups can’t be scheduled before 10:30 a.m.


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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 3601 N. North Street Peoria, IL 61614 Contact: Rev. Jonathan Thomas, 309-688-3436, [email protected] Available rooms

Library – newly renovated with internet connections and laptop connection with screen

Hedberg Room – large round tables, accommodates 50, nice room Coffee/Snacks

Refreshments allowed

Coffee pot available – bring own supplies Internet Accessibility/Technology

Available


Plenty of parking Site Notes Advantages:

Wonderful to work with Disadvantages:

Groups will need careful directions, building faces War Memorial but access to the parking lots is from side streets

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 1427 W. Lake Avenue Peoria, IL 61614 Contact: Rev. Bill Dohle, (309) 682-2931 Available rooms

The Bischoff Room (large, open, fellowship hall)

Youth Room (intimate space with couches surrounding a screen)

Upstairs rooms (2) with conference table and chairs Coffee/Snacks

Coffee pot available (bring supplies)

Refreshments allowed Internet Accessibility/Technology

Internet available in most of building

Large screen capable of projection


Plenty of parking Site Notes Advantages:

Central location Disadvantages:

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United Presbyterian Church 2400 W. Northmoor Road Peoria, IL 61614 Contact: Trish Depperman, (309) 693-2002; [email protected] Available rooms Room 107: 25 maximum Room 100: 25 maximum Coffee/Snacks

Host must prepare coffee in church kitchen, using OLLI supplies


Internet Accessibility/Technology

Flat screen monitors and DVD players available if scheduled in advance

Facilitators must provide their own laptops, projector and extension cords (or arrange with OLLI office to use OLLI equipment). Site does have portable screens available.


Parking/Handicapped spaces near building door. Site Notes Advantages:

Accessible from War Memorial Drive and Allen Road

Helpful staff

Excellent parking Disadvantages:

No technology support available


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Unity Point North 2338 W. Sud Parkway (Allen Road and Route 6) Peoria, IL 61615 Contact: Michael Joseph, Office: (309) 672-3196, Cell: (309) 370-1301; [email protected] Coffee/Snacks

Coffee/water provided (but OLLI hosts prepare); snacks provided by participants

Cutlery, plates, napkins provided by OLLI Internet Accessibility/Technology:

Facilitators may use their own laptops (or arrange with Continuing Education office to use OLLI equipment)

Rooms also have a desktop computer with projection/audio and disc (CD/DVD) capability. Contact Michael Joseph at Unity Point to arrange for usage. Office: (309) 672-3196. Cell: (309) 370-1301. email: [email protected].

Wireless Network available: “Unity Point Guest.” Sign-on Details—No log-on ID or password required, but users must accept network terms to log on

Advantages:

Excellent access from Route 6

Ideally located for Dunlap, Northwest side of Peoria

Some tech support available from Michael Joseph (but he is not always on-site)

Disadvantages:

Room sizes are limited (maximum of 12-13 people)



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Universalist-Unitarian Church 3000 W. Richwoods Boulevard Peoria, IL 61604 Contact: Jan Force, (309) 688-5608; [email protected] Fellowship Hall: 100, but smaller groups can be accommodated Coffee/snacks: coffee pots on site, participants bring snacks, OLLI provides supplies Internet/technology: no access Parking: ample parking with handicapped spaces near front entrance Side Notes: Advantages:

Accessible for participants in west-central Peoria

Disadvantages:

No internet access


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Appendix C: Facilitator Training Materials

Part 1: Suggestions for Leading a Discussion … or … How Do I Fill Two Hours??

(with comments based on a reading of Romeo and Juliet.)

Dividing up the time:

Commonly, the first hour might be discussion of related topics researched to enhance

appreciation of the material read and the second hour an analysis of the material

prepared by the group ... or vice-versa!

1. Shared leadership always works. In later meetings, you might ask several people

in the group to prepare 5-minute presentations on topics such as

The playwright himself

The Globe Theater

The differences between tragedy and comedy

Masked balls

The city of Verona

2. Allow time for question /answer or further discussion. Prepare some starter

questions in case the group does not immediately come up with them. E.g., Have

you ever heard that Shakespeare claimed authorship of other people's work?

Have you seen Shakespeare's work onstage and, if so, was your response

different from when you read his plays?

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Suggestions for discussion of the material read by the group:

Your job here is to get people thinking about the selection they have prepared, not to

answer questions or to repeat the material.

a) Ask open ended questions -- ones that do not have definite answers, a why

question maybe or a "what if." "If this event happened today, would anyone be

accused of contributing to these young people's deaths and if so, who?"

b) Remind participants that answers should be formed from information in the text

and then allow some time for participants to think about the answer. Don't rush

it or answer the question yourself. If your question doesn't spur answers,

rephrase it. "We know that two dreamy innocents died. Were there others who

might have seen it coming?"

c) When an answer is given, ask other participants if they agree. Allow discussion to

provoke new thoughts. "Nobody has mentioned the nurse yet...." again, allow

time for participants to think about that idea if necessary, always going back to

the material people have prepared for the session.

d) Be ready to bring the conversation back to the point if it wanders or goes off in

an unlikely direction. "Can we agree that these kids got some poor advice?" And

"who else might have let them down?" Or "Could this happen in our culture

today?" "What might contribute to its happening now?" "Do you see any parallels

in the story to events today?"

e) Be ready to manage enthusiastic responses by saying something like, "okay, Gary,

you first, then Greg, then Vick." Watch people's faces for confusion or

disagreement. "Murv, do you see it another way?"

f) When your question has elicited sufficient discussion among your group, pose a

related question. E.g., "Shakespeare was, among other things, a romantic here.

What might he have hoped people would take away from the story of star-

crossed lovers?" or “Are you satisfied --do you find it believable-- that the lessons

learned by the two families seem to justify the tragedy?”

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Part 2: Defusing Arguments …. also known as “Serenity Now!”

Tips abound on YouTube or Google: “Defusing arguments during group discussions”

Good link: “Techniques for Leading Group Discussions” (thanks Gary)

https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-

discussions/main

Fun link “The Waterboy”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZpDnXYIFjo

Beware of internet extremes

The superficial:

o All arguments can be settled by suggesting: “Let’s Get Some Ice Cream”

The polarizing/tribal:

o “How to win an argument”

Best Source: OLLI facilitators

Ultimately…trust own comfort zone/style

Dance to your own beat/follow your own inner leadership whisperer

Prepare/practice (especially best practices)

Set Expectations/Guiding Principles/Discussion Guidelines

Study Guide/Syllabus:

o Own use or share with group

o Possible contents:

Guiding Principles/group goals

Discussion guidelines

Agendas

Discussion questions

References/web links

https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main

https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZpDnXYIFjo

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When discussion encroaches/crosses “argument border”

Build bridges/not walls

Summarize/restate

Involve others: “That’s an interesting point: What do you think?”

Parking lot

o Avoids jeopardizing group’s engagement/session agenda

EXAMPLE:

Expectations/Guiding Principles

Your facilitators have a deep interest in this topic, but we are NOT deep Subject

Matter Experts

We are eager to share what we’ve learned over the past few months of reading

and research and compiling pertinent materials

Others in the group bring varied and possibly deep experiences and knowledge

Therefore, participants can/should/must share their thoughts, ideas, questions

The Study Guide questions are intended to help “bubble up” concepts for

discussion, and learn from the core materials and from one another

All can/should/must respect the opinions and ideas of others

Current events certainly are not off limits

o BUT – a big one -- we are not here to campaign for a given point of view,

candidate, ideology or way of life

o We all must do our best to ensure we leave each session having achieved

the desired outcome of being open to learning while respecting all points

of view

o At the first session, the group will be asked to add any other

expectations/guiding principles to this listing

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EXAMPLE:

Discussion Guidelines

Respect the ideas and opinions of others

Avoid stereotypical statements and generalizations

Stay on topic

Avoid side conversations

Speak as clearly and loudly as you can

Turn off cell phones or put them on vibrate. If you have to receive or make a

call, please step into the hallway

Use of electronic tablets is encouraged to look up information related to study

group discussions.

Others? (Group generated)

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Part 3: The Nuts and Bolts of Study Groups

You Are Not Alone

• Continuing Education Office and Staff

• OLLI leadership

• Your Category Coordinator

• Other Study Group Facilitators

• Your Host

Select a Topic

• A topic you are knowledgeable about

• A topic you are interested in and want to learn more about

• Consider what resources are available about the topic:

• Books

• Great Courses

• Ted Talks, You Tube, other internet sources

• Local experts and guest speakers

Consider a Co-Facilitator

• T.A. Webb said: “A burden shared is a burden halved.”

• Good to bounce ideas off another person.

• Different facilitators appeal to different learners.

• Scheduling conflicts are minimized.

• Continuing Education office and leadership can provide ideas on co-facilitators

Hosts

• Help facilitators

• Turn off phones

• Restroom locations

• Emergency shelters

• Technology and room assistance

• Snacks – 1st day and then sign-up sheet

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First Steps…

• Write a description of the study group – why should I take this study group? –

sales pitch rather than listing topics to be covered

• Decide on the number of weeks the group will meet

• Select a location, day & time

• Decide on a topics/videos/# of chapters for each week

• Develop a loose plan as a starting point – refine later

Develop a Syllabus

• Weekly outline of what will be covered

• Reading

• Videos

• Research

• Assignments for participants

• Presentations

Write a Welcome Letter

• Send two weeks prior to start date

• Create a distribution list with participants’ names

• When e-mailing put yourself in the “to” box

• Put participants in the “bcc” box (blind carbon copy)

• First communication put PLEASE REPLY in the message box – ask people to reply

to your message so you can verify correct e-mail addresses

30


Sample Welcome Letter (Template)

Welcome to _________________________Study Group. Thank you for signing up.

Here is the description of our group from the OLLI brochure/catalog.

(Copy what is in the catalog here)

This is a discussion/participation/practice study group (pick one).

Discussion-based: participants may be asked to read material and participate in

whole group discussions

Participation-based: participants may be asked to read material, participate in

small group breakout sessions, do research and/or make brief oral reports to the

group

Practice-based: participants may be asked to learn a skill set and engage in

practice between sessions

This study group will require approximately ______minutes each week outside the

group to prepare.

You will need to do the following (pick which ones apply):

Read a book (then list the title and author)

Watch videos each week (source of the videos - Great Courses, You Tube, etc.)

Answer questions pertaining to the material or do research on assigned topics

Dates for our study group are as follows:

List day of the week, time and actual dates here and how many weeks

The study group will meet at

List location name and address and link to address

The following people have signed up for this study group:

List participants (you can copy and paste the list of names – don’t include

addresses or phone numbers)

A syllabus will be e-mailed to you the first week of class or send it now if you are ready.

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Audio Video

Available: laptop, projector, screen, clicker/pointer, CD player, VCR, podium,

microphone, jump drives, internet

Your computer – plug into HDMI cord

Video & music files – best to download

Handouts – electronic if possible

Training available:

Google Shared Drive:

The CE office can provide a link and access to shared folder on Google Drive

You can upload large files, copies of syllabus, etc.

This is currently used as staff back-up in case of an emergency

Can possibly be used for facilitators and group members in the future

32


Appendix D: Sample Syllabus

LIES, DAMN LIES AND LIBEL: FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE SUPREME COURT

Thursdays March 16 – April 13, 10:00AM - 12:15 PM, Peoria NEXT Innovation Center

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people

peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." United States Constitution, Amendment I, ratified 1791 (emphasis added)

Libel-1) n. To publish in print (incl. pictures), writing or broadcast through radio, television or

film, an untruth about another which will do harm to that person or his/her reputation, by

tending to bring the target into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others. A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier (1856)

Together we will examine and discuss the development of First Amendment protections by the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. As mentioned in the OLLI brochure on this study group, we will use the Anthony Lewis book, Make No Law-The Sullivan Case and the First Amendment as a jumping off point for our discussions.

While this is history, it is a living history and the topics discussed and the questions raised in

the past regarding the meaning of "freedom of the press" are still discussed today. Indeed, these issues are being hotly debated daily in our "media" in its multitude of forms. It is a tribute to our shared heritage that these debates can take place in public forums without fear of official punishment or censure. There have been and presently are many places and cultures where that type of debate could not be conducted.

As mentioned in the brochure, your facilitator is a retired attorney. However, he was not a constitutional litigator nor is he a constitutional scholar. It is a topic in which he has a deep and abiding interest which he will enjoy exploring with you.

One of the joys of OLLI study groups is the varied experiences and knowledge that individual

members bring to bear on topics relevant to any particular study group. Participants should be willing to share their thoughts, ideas and questions.

33


One caveat: All participants must respect the opinions, ideas and questions of others. It

would be difficult, if not impossible to ignore or prohibit discussion of current events and any such attempted prohibition would diminish the value of the study group. HOWEVER, we are not here to campaign for a point of view, ideology and candidate. There are likely to be certain areas where we must be free to disagree without being disagreeable

DISCUSSION GUIDELINES:

Respect the ideas, opinions, statements and questions of others.

Stay on topic.

Avoid side conversations and talking while others are speaking.

Silence cell phones or put them on vibrate. If you have to make or receive a call, please step outside the room.

We will have internet access so feel free to bring laptops, tablets or phones to

research or access information relevant and helpful to the discussion.

AGENDA

Please note: we are not starting at the beginning of the book. The reason will, hopefully, be apparent as we proceed. In addition, there will possibly be additional readings suggested by your facilitator or members of the group and related supplemental research opportunities arising out of our discussions.

Week 1-March 16: Discuss chapters 6-10, pp 46-102 Week 2-March 23: Discuss chapters 1-5, pp 1-45; Guest participant Craig Unrath, Attorney Specializing in Appellate Practice Week 3-March 30: Discuss chapters 11-14, pp 103-152; Guest participant Hon. Daniel J. Schmidt, Third District Appellate Court Judge Week 4-April 6: Discuss chapters 15-17, pp 153-199 Week 5-April 13: Discuss chapters 18-20, pp 200-248

Additional related reading for those who are interested:

On the Supreme Court and constitutional law:

The Brethren- Woodward and Armstrong (About the Warren Burger Court) The Nine-Jeffrey Tobin (the Court from Clinton to Bush v. Gore) Simple Justice-Richard Kruger (The story of Brown v. the Board of Education) Gideon's Trumpet-Anthony Lewis (the case resulting in the appointment of counsel for

those unable to afford one in criminal cases) The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court-Jeffrey Toobin

34

2/28/2019 P:\coe\OLLI\Study Group Resources\Study Group Facilitator Training\Study Group Facilitator Handbook 2019.docx

EYES ON THE PRIZE STUDY GROUP

Winter 2019, 9:00-11:15 a.m.

Tuesdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2019

Overview

Join us for viewing and discussing the first segment of “Eyes on the Prize,” the award-winning documentary series that aired on PBS in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Each week we will watch one of the six episodes from the initial 1987 series. In the second hour, we’ll discuss the 1954-65 period covered by the series, as well as explore the programs in the context of when they aired and today. Frequent OLLI Study Group facilitators Kurt and Keith Butterfield (yes, they’re brothers) will lead the discussions.

Expectations/Guiding Principles

Your facilitators have a deep interest in this topic, but we are NOT deep Subject Matter Experts.

We are eager to share what we’ve learned over the past few months of reading and research and compiling pertinent materials.

Others in the group bring varied and possibly deep experiences and knowledge.

Therefore, participants can/should/must share their thoughts, ideas, questions.

The Study Guide questions are intended to help “bubble up” concepts for discussion, and learn from the core materials and from one another.

All can/should/must respect the opinions and ideas of others o Current events certainly are not off limits. o BUT – a big one -- we are not here to campaign for a given point of view,

candidate, ideology or way of life. o We all must do our best to ensure we leave each session having achieved the

desired outcome of being open to learning while respecting all points of view. o At the first session, the group will be asked to add any other

expectations/guiding principles to this listing.

Discussion Guidelines

Respect the ideas and opinions of others in the group.

Avoid stereotypical statements and generalizations.

Stay on topic.

Avoid side conversations.

Speak as clearly and loudly as you can.

35


Turn off cell phones or put them on vibrate. If you have to receive or make call please step into the hallway.

Use of electronic tablets is encouraged to look up information related to study group discussions.

Others? (Group generated.)

Week 1

Agenda:

Intros, Overview, Housekeeping (Including introduction of Host)

Host comments (safety, treats sheet, etc.)

View Episode 1

Facilitated discussion (led by Kurt Butterfield)

Study Guide Topics/Questions (to be discussed during the group session):

Discuss general thoughts/reactions from Episode 1

Share/discuss Civil Rights Events Timeline (url below)

Share/discuss “world, America in general” during 1954-56 period of Episode 1 (url below)

Thoughts on Mose Wright’s decision to “name names” in Emmett Till?

Thoughts on Sheriff H.C. Strider?

Thoughts on mother’s decision to have open coffin, publication of the photo?

Why do you think it was Rosa Parks who decided to challenge the “back of the bus” rule?

Discuss the White Citizens Councils and what they were trying to accomplish.

Anything about Session 1 that didn’t meet your expectations could be improved or

addressed next week?

36


URLs

Civil Rights Movement Timeline: https://www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement/civil-rights-movement-timeline

Timeline of U.S. History from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_history

Sheriff H.C. “Clarence” Strider: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/emmett-biography-sheriff-clarence-strider/

Week 2

Agenda:

Opening, housekeeping

View Episode 2

Facilitated discussion (led by Keith Butterfield)

Study Guide Questions

Revisit Civil Rights Events Timeline

Share/discuss “world, America events in general” during 1957-62 period of Episode 2

Discuss Julian Bond (narrator)

Thoughts on Sheriff Mel Bailey?

Thoughts on Orval Faubus?

What do you think about Eisenhower’s approach to Little Rock?

JFK’s approach to University of Mississippi/James Meredith admission? Meredith: “I’ve

been living a lonely life for a long time” – Thoughts on the reporter’s question that

prompted that answer?

Anything about Week 2 that didn’t meet expectations/could be improved/addressed next

week?

URLS:

Julian Bond: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Bond

Sheriff Mel Bailey: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21838075/melvin-bailey

Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orval_Faubus

Wikipedia Henry Hampton bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hampton

https://www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement/civil-rights-movement-timeline

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_history

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/emmett-biography-sheriff-clarence-strider/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Bond

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21838075/melvin-bailey

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orval_Faubus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hampton

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Appendix E: Study Group Description Examples

A great description is the key to garnering interest in your study group. Please see the

following examples of popular study groups with creative descriptions and “hooks.”

World War II in the Philippines: The Battle of Corregidor and the Bataan Death March

Within hours of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japan also attacked the Philippine Islands, which were guarded by U.S. Forces but could not be reinforced once the war began. The result was one of the worst defeats in U.S. history, culminating in the infamous Bataan Death March. Participants in this study group will learn about the historical contexts of American involvement in the Western Pacific, reasons for the defeat of American-Filipino forces at Bataan and Corregidor in 1942, and the subsequent ordeal of those taken prisoner by the Japanese, including soldiers, nurses, and civilians. Participants will need email and internet access to read information and view clips.

More Great Irish Stories (and a Pint on the Side if You Like)

The Guardian, a British newspaper, once reported that “every sentence William Trevor wrote was perfectly crafted, yet he had a love of storytelling: his first loyalty was always to the reader’s desire to find out what was going to happen next.” The late Irish writer’s stories have also been described as chiseled, lyrical, ironic, and elegiac. In this group, participants will read and discuss stories from William Trevor: The Collected Stories, available at local or online retailers and libraries. The pint? Well, the stories are Irish, and we’re meeting at a pub in Peoria Heights, but that’s up to you!

Counting Backwards

Forty million people in the United States undergo anesthesia every year. Anesthesiologists put people into a coma, immobilize the body, eliminate pain during a procedure, and alter heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing – all while erasing your memory of the event. Join us in exploring the phenomenon of anesthesia and its complexity while discussing the book Counting Backwards, in which the author shares his experiences of treating infants, toddlers, teens, and even a gorilla. Some stories are funny, others are heartbreaking. Participants are asked to obtain and read the book Counting Backwards by Henry Jay Przybylo, M.D., available from local and online retailers and libraries. Participants should have internet and email access as well.

study group facilitator handbook - bradley university

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