We did not find consistent, common behaviors among these effective facilitators. Further, even the same facilitator appeared to use different behaviors with different groups, even when conducting the same small-group activity. The same facilitator sometimes used different behaviors with the same group within the same activity at different times. As we collected and classified more data and reflected on the patterns, we realized the real secret of effective facilitators was buried within the apparent inconsistency. They modify their small-group activities before and during use.
Effective facilitators are adaptive.
They modify their small-group activities along six critical tensions. Effective facilitators are proactive. Before using a small-group activity, they modify it on the basis of the characteristics of the participants and the purpose of the activity. Effective facilitators are responsive. They make modifications during the small-group activity to keep the different tensions within acceptable ranges.