By: Kat Negrón, M. Ed.
Think back to the last training session you attended or team meeting you had at work. How would you describe that experience? Did time fly by? Or did you find yourself staring at the clock wondering when you could get up and leave? Did you revisit the content after you left the room? Or was it out of sight, out of mind?
I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all probably had a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to group settings. Sometimes they’re great, and we leave feeling energized, ready to put what we learned into action. Other times, we’d rather be anywhere else. So, what makes the difference? Sure, the topic being discussed is an important factor, and the attitude of your fellow participants has an impact. However, the person leading the conversation probably had the biggest impact of all. A good facilitator can make all the difference.
What is Facilitation?
According to the Association for Talent Development (n.d.), “Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights. Facilitation is different from presentation, where one person talks to a group in a "sage on the stage" manner. Facilitation usually involves a “guide on the side” who asks questions, moderates discussions, introduces activities, and helps participants learn.” This method not only makes learning more interactive but also ensures that participants are more involved and engaged in the process.
Facilitating with Adult Learners
Before we jump into what you can do to become a better facilitator, it’s first important to acknowledge that adult learners have different motivations and needs than youth learners. Understanding the characteristics of adult learners allows you to tailor your facilitation techniques to really resonate with your audience.
- Independence: Adult learners are self-directed in their learning. They prefer to take control of their learning journey, making decisions about what and how they learn. It's important to provide opportunities for them to explore topics independently and make choices that align with their interests and goals.
- Orientation: Adult learners need content that relates to real-world problems they need to solve. They are oriented towards practical, applicable knowledge that can help them in their personal or professional lives. Content should focus on providing relevant, problem-solving issues that address the specific needs and challenges of the participants (Knowles, 1980).
- Experience: Adult learners bring a wealth of experience to the table. They filter new information through their own lens, comparing it to what they already know. This means that facilitators should acknowledge and use the existing knowledge and experiences of participants, creating a learning environment that values and builds upon their backgrounds (Knowles, 1980).
- Motivation: Intrinsic motivation is a key driver for adult learners. They are often motivated by a desire for personal or professional growth, and they want to understand "what's in It for me?” Facilitators should clearly communicate the benefits and relevance of the content, helping participants see how it will help them achieve their goals (Knowles, 1980).
- Readiness: Adult learners are ready to learn when they see a need to solve a problem or improve a situation. They want to gain knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately. Facilitators should provide structured, scaffolded learning experiences that build on existing knowledge and lead to practical, actionable outcomes (Knowles, 1980).
Key Facilitation Skills to Engage Adult Learners
Now that we have a better understanding of who we are working with, let’s talk about how to make your message matter. The Association for Talent Development (n.d.) recommends eight essential skills to enhance your facilitation practice with adult learners.
- Encourage Participation: To foster a collaborative environment, it's important to encourage participation from all attendees. Understanding your audience beforehand helps in creating a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, leading to a richer exchange of thoughts and insights.
- Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Asking questions that stimulate discussion is key to engaging adult learners. These questions should encourage participants to think deeply and share their perspectives, promoting a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
- Active Listening: Active listening is critical in facilitation. It involves fully concentrating on what participants are saying, understanding their points, and responding thoughtfully. This shows respect for their contributions and encourages more open communication.
- Empathy: Being empathetic means understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In facilitation, this involves recognizing the experiences and perspectives of participants, which helps in tailoring the session to meet their needs effectively.
- Problem-Solving Opportunities: Providing opportunities for problem-solving is essential, as adult learners are often motivated by practical applications. Facilitators can guide participants through problem-solving techniques, such as defining the problem, figuring out the cause, considering solutions, weighing pros and cons, selecting the best solution, implementing it, and evaluating the results.
- Acceptance of Ideas: It's important to accept and value ideas shared by participants, even if they seem unconventional. This openness fosters a creative and inclusive environment where everyone feels their contributions are valued.
- Constructive Conflict Management: Conflict is inevitable in group activities, but it can be a powerful learning tool if managed constructively. Address conflicts politely and use them as opportunities for growth and understanding within the group.
- Leadership: While collaboration is key, facilitators also need to provide leadership to keep the group focused on achieving goals and outcomes. Balancing collaboration with leadership ensures that sessions are productive.
Does your organization need to improve its facilitation skills? BJA NTTAC is here to help. Request training or technical assistance today!
References
Association for Talent Development (n.d.). What is facilitation? https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-facilitation
Knowles, M. S. The Modern Practice of Adult Education: From Pedagogy to Androgogy.(2nd ed.) New York: Cambridge Books, 1980.