A facilitator is an essential person in any discussion. The facilitator can help draw on the knowledge and opinions of all those taking part, encourage full participation and help promote understanding of the issue. He or she does not need to know all the answers but should encourage participants to explore the topic further.
Facilitation tips
- Ensure the group understands the aims and the question posed.
- Ask open questions which encourage thought.
- Build on what students may know or have experienced.
- Repeat and confirm understanding with individuals and the group.
- Help students to clarify what they mean.
- Do not allow dominant participants to control the discussion.
- Summarise recent parts of the discussion.
- Play Devil’s advocate against some of the comments made to prevent a discussion drying up.
A good facilitator should not:
- Back a particular opinion voiced in the group.
- Offer an opinion or talk about themselves.
- Lead the group to the 'right' conclusion.
- Be the dominant voice.