As a volunteer leader of ASCE, it is likely that at some time you will be called upon to facilitate a planning meeting, education session or general discussion. Here are some tips on how to maximize your effectiveness as a facilitator. Facilitation is characterized by interactive participation among all individuals. The diagrams below demonstrate the differences between speakers, instructors and facilitators.
Audience participation is usually passive.
Retention of information is generally not high and the atmosphere for learning is very guided and determined by the speaker. An effective instructor encourages audience members to ask or respond to questions and to participate in discussions. The discussion or communication of information is usually very structured and flows at the direction of the instructor. Participants generally have a higher perceived value of material, and since they are encouraged to ask questions of the Instructor, receive immediate satisfaction from participation. Retention of information is maximized in effectively facilitated programs because the participants are fully engaged in the conduct and success of the program.