3 Responses

1. Creating a congenial learning environment is important

    Be it ILT or blended learning, a facilitator who creates a congenial, supportive environment helps learning happen. Such an environment fosters positive attitude where ideas, reflection and deep learning can happen.

   Providing regular benign monitoring and constructive feedback also plays a role in keeping the learner engaged and learning. Esp. in blended learning, learners opting out can be avoided, if the facilitator pays attention to each learner. Technology helps a lot too.

   Asking the right question to nudge those who are not active helps differently oriented learners.

   A good facilitator focusses on developing learning skills, in addition to sharing knowledge. Training is one of the few opportunities busy professionals receive to "shapen the saw" or "learn to learn better".

   A trainer who shares memory aids…which helps the learner refer back to the training experience, can be very beneficial. We are sharing our digested, structured knowledge.

    

    

2. ideal/best facilitator

    hi there,

   Interesting question…I guess aside from a good knowledge and appreciation of the process and capabilities of the medium they are deliverying through (you mentioned Learning Technologies), they should have a number of core skills and behavioural traits. 

   On our train the trainer course we explore this very point as an exercise. 

   The most common responses that come back tend to be that they need to have excellent:

   • Gravitas
   • Empathy
   • Communication
   • Humility
   • Interpersonal and Rapport building skills
   • time management
   • (Industry/Organisational/Individual/Cultural/Subject matter) Awareness

   and in addition…they should look the part. Dress and atire relevant for the audiences expectations.

   Hope that helps

   Regards

   Lee

   http://www.toojays.co.uk

   twitter @TTHRC 

    

    

3. Re: What does the best facilitator look look like…

   Me! (or Suzanne!!)

   http://www.rubusassociates.co.uk/Who-are-Rubus-Associates.html

   But on a more serious note I would suggest the foloowing:

   • Fairly extrovert but not massivlelsy so
   • Emotionally intelligent / Self Aware
   • Good language skills – written and oral
   • Good raport building
   • Firm, fair and open
   • Able to move a discussion forwards by the use of a few simple sentances

   Thanks

   Andrew

   http://www.rubusassociates.co.uk

    

    

   — Thanks Andrew Miller