a bi-monthly update from trainiac
06.19.09 Facilitator Modes Your role is to guide and steer the training program. This page describes three modes facilitator’s play. We acknowledge that everybody has his or her own style of facilitation and we want to encourage you to continue to develop your own personal strengths, however it is important to play with a variety of modes.
Use the following list as a reminder of what a good facilitator should aim to achieve in training: • Create a sense of progress and accomplishment. • Clarify each learner’s role and contribution. • Establish confidence. • Establish a sense of belonging.
Hierarchical You prefer to lead from the front of the class. The focus is on your expertise and you lecture or talk to learners and they have little to no involvement. The hierarchical facilitator mode is preferable for working with large groups and disseminating information where no collaboration is needed.
Cooperative You prefer to ask questions or make statements that allow the learners to participate in discussion and debate. As a facilitator you are active in the discussion or activity. The cooperative facilitator mode should be used in situations where discussion or debate improves learning. This is especially helpful with groups that need constant guidance, or where group conflict may be present.
Autonomous You prefer to leave learners on their own to discuss or complete an activity and observe from the sidelines. Your role is observational and indirect. Learners are left to interact and lead based on an introduction. A wonderful mode when discovery, problem solving and learner participation are key requirements.
Action item Please share this document with colleagues. Identify your preferred facilitator mode and practice some of the others. Learn what works for you and in which situation, environment or what mode supports specific learning objectives. Contact us with any questions, suggestions or ideas you have for your next competency building exercise. We will be happy to help you halve the time it takes for your people to do their jobs effectively, at any level.
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