The most significant role of the facilitators is to make sure that the group participants are actively involved in the discussion and that the group addresses the objectives of the session . Subsequent session discussions involve sharing information learned through independent study, continued development of learning issues, and continued work on resolving the problems presented in the case. The facilitators are also involved in the evaluation process as they evaluate group members in their participation in and contributions to the discussions. They also contribute to the construction of the examinations used in the program by monitoring the learning issues covered. The chief danger that any facilitator presents to the group is being overly directive and the role of omniscient tutor must be avoided.
Students are responsible for participating in the discussion.
For a variety of reasons, it is easy for students to look to faculty for answers. For the small group process to work and be effective, facilitators must avoid this role. True participation will occur when students feel safe to take risks in the discussions in the form of expressing ideas, offering and receiving feedback, challenging assumptions, recognizing deficiencies, etc. They are also responsible for coming prepared for the discussions. Preparation entails studying the learning issues during the independent study periods and actively contributing to the understanding of the case.