Learn the names of each participant and use their names frequently. This creates a collegial atmosphere and helps participants feel valued and included. Don’t turn your back to the room, but don’t stay frozen in one spot either. Moving around engages the participants, keeps their attention, and helps everyone hear you. Stay flexible with the agenda. It is important that participants understand the material and produce high quality work. If you spend more time on one area, plan to make up time elsewhere so all of the material will be covered. Debrief with the facilitation team for a short meeting at the end of each day to review the daily participant feedback and decide how to adjust the next day’s content and agenda accordingly. This meeting is indispensable and crucial to successful workshop outcomes. Table Coaching During small group work, the facilitator(s) should float among teams as a mentor or “table coach.” As a floating table coach, your primary role is to make sure participants follow instructions, understand the learning concepts, and apply those concepts correctly in their work. You are closely positioned to look for areas where participants may be confused and to answer questions as they arise. If there are two facilitators, one facilitator should serve as the table coach for the same small group(s) for the duration of the workshop. During small group work, follow these general guidelines: Allow teams to work independently before jumping in. Position yourself nearby while groups work independently and observe. Pay attention to the conversation. If the team is getting off track or members clearly don’t understand a concept correctly, don’t hesitate to redirect or clarify ideas. Encourage the group’s critical thinking. If the team asks you a question, respond with another question to get them thinking. Watch the clock. Teams may get into vigorous discussions, easily lose track of time, and thus fail to complete an activity. Offer time reminders at mid-point and five to ten minutes before the activity ends. Encourage the group to assign roles. Teams can function in an efficient and effective manner if a timekeeper, recorder, and spokesperson are assigned at the beginning of an activity.
Learn the names of each participant and use their names frequently. This creates a collegial atmosphere and helps participants feel valued and included. Don’t turn your back to the room, but don’t stay frozen in one spot either. Moving around engages the participants, keeps their attention, and helps everyone hear you. Stay flexible with the agenda. It is important that participants understand the material and produce high quality work. If you spend more time on one area, plan to make up time elsewhere so all of the material will be covered. Debrief with the facilitation team for a short meeting at the end of each day to review the daily participant feedback and decide how to adjust the next day’s content and agenda accordingly. This meeting is indispensable and crucial to successful workshop outcomes. Table Coaching During small group work, the facilitator(s) should float among teams as a mentor or “table coach.” As a floating table coach, your primary role is to make sure participants follow instructions, understand the learning concepts, and apply those concepts correctly in their work. You are closely positioned to look for areas where participants may be confused and to answer questions as they arise. If there are two facilitators, one facilitator should serve as the table coach for the same small group(s) for the duration of the workshop. During small group work, follow these general guidelines: Allow teams to work independently before jumping in. Position yourself nearby while groups work independently and observe. Pay attention to the conversation. If the team is getting off track or members clearly don’t understand a concept correctly, don’t hesitate to redirect or clarify ideas. Encourage the group’s critical thinking. If the team asks you a question, respond with another question to get them thinking. Watch the clock. Teams may get into vigorous discussions, easily lose track of time, and thus fail to complete an activity. Offer time reminders at mid-point and five to ten minutes before the activity ends. Encourage the group to assign roles. Teams can function in an efficient and effective manner if a timekeeper, recorder, and spokesperson are assigned at the beginning of an activity.
Policy_Advocacy_for_Health_TMA%20for%20FP%20Supplement_FINAL%202014.docx