TRAINING

Course Goals and Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the key principles of facilitation and how they apply to different settings (e.g., workshops, training sessions, group discussions).

• Learn practical skills for managing group dynamics, conflict resolution, and inclusive practices.

• Be able to design and deliver engaging and effective sessions that meet the needs of diverse audiences.

• Gain confidence in leading difficult conversations, managing group energy, and using feedback to improve their facilitation.

Course Structure and Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Facilitation

• What is Facilitation?

  • Definition of facilitation vs. teaching or presenting.

  • The facilitator’s role as a guide, not an expert.

  • Why facilitation is a valuable skill in various contexts (education, community-building, workplace).

  • What does it have to do with Feminism?​

• Key Facilitation Principles

  • Neutrality, inclusivity, and creating a safe space.

  • Balancing group needs with objectives.

  • The importance of active listening and open-ended questions.

Module 2: Core Facilitation Skills

• Effective Communication Skills

  • Verbal and non-verbal communication.

  • Using language to be inclusive and neutral.

  • Active listening and summarizing to ensure clarity.

• Building Trust and Rapport

  • Creating a welcoming environment and setting the tone for open dialogue.

  • Ice-breakers and trust-building activities.

• Managing Group Dynamics

  • Recognizing group stages (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning).

  • Dealing with dominant voices, quiet participants, and conflicts.

  • Encouraging diverse perspectives and participation.

Module 3: Planning and Designing Facilitated Sessions

• Setting Objectives and Outcomes

  • How to set clear, achievable goals for your session.

  • Ensuring that objectives align with the group’s needs.

• Creating a Facilitation Plan

  • Developing a structured agenda with time management in mind.

  • Designing activities that are inclusive and engaging.

  • Flexibility in planning: adapting to the group’s needs and energy levels.

• Choosing Facilitation Techniques and Tools

  • Brainstorming, role-playing, case studies, and group discussions.

  • Using visual aids, whiteboards, and digital tools to enhance engagement.

  • Understanding and applying different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).

Module 4: Inclusive Facilitation

• Facilitating Diverse Groups

  • Understanding the importance of cultural competence.

  • Addressing power dynamics and ensuring equal participation.

  • Adapting your style for different group settings (age, background, professional vs. personal).

• Handling Sensitive Topics

  • Creating a safe and respectful space for difficult conversations 

  • Managing emotions and conflict in a productive way.

  • Ground rules for respectful dialogue and handling disagreements.

Module 5: Managing Group Energy and Participation

• Keeping the Group Engaged

  • Strategies for maintaining focus and energy throughout the session.

  • Balancing different types of activities (individual, small group, large group).

  • Recognizing when the group is disengaged and how to re-energize.

• Dealing with Challenging Situations

  • Managing group conflict, dominant participants, and passive participants.

  • Handling disruptions and challenging behavior with calm and tact.

  • Using humor and positive reinforcement effectively.

Module 6: Evaluating and Reflecting on Your Facilitation

• Collecting Feedback

  • How to create feedback mechanisms (surveys, one-on-one conversations, group reflections).

  • Using feedback to improve future sessions.

• Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement

  • Techniques for evaluating your own facilitation (journaling, peer review, self-assessment).

  • Setting personal goals for development as a facilitator.

  • Joining facilitation communities or networks for ongoing learning.

Course Delivery Methods

• Lectures and Presentations: To introduce core concepts and theories.

• Group Discussions: Facilitated group conversations where participants practice the skills they’re learning.

• Role-Playing Activities: Participants practice facilitating real scenarios and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors.

• Case Studies: Review real-life facilitation challenges and how to handle them.

• Practical Assignments: Participants can be asked to design their own facilitation plan for an upcoming event or session.

• Peer Review and Group Feedback: Encourage participants to give feedback to each other in constructive ways.

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Assessments and Evaluation

• Facilitation Practice: The participants will facilitate a mini-session during the course and receive feedback from the instructor and peers.

• Written Assignment: Participants submit a detailed facilitation plan for a session or event they will lead.

• Final Reflection: At the end of the course, participants write a self-reflection essay on how their understanding and approach to facilitation have evolved.