Facilitation Theories and Practice

Catalog description

Exploration of facilitation theories and their implications for practice. TRDEV 561 Facilitation Theories and Practice (3) Facilitation is distinct from other forms of group work such as presentation and teaching. It draws on theory and practice from a range of traditions such as adult learning, psychotherapy, group dynamics, action research, and group process consulting to inform unique and flexible approaches to goals that are often unstructured and connected to problem resolution, innovation, and social action. Rather than teach or conduct action, facilitators support the group as members work together to achieve their goals, creating a space for the work without interjecting their own opinions or agenda. Facilitators remain sensitive to myriad real-time details, member participation and group dynamics, the roles of power and culture, and the need for a balance between action and reflection in the work of the group. Good facilitators relinquish control of the group in ways that foster open, balanced dialogue and a spirit of play among group members, building members' capacity for work on subsequent issues and opportunities. Students will actively explore the process of facilitation from the inside out, including facilitator self-awareness, goal and role clarity, developing psycho-social spaces, group process, power, and risk-taking, in both face to face and virtual settings. The course will combine opportunities to actively experiment with applied facilitation both face-to-face and online with feedback, self-reflection, and scholarly research.