DLOG706
Effective Group Facilitation
Group facilitation is a building block for civic engagement. Are your facilitation skills where they need to be? Are you looking for a solid foundation in facilitating effective group dynamics and multi-party collaborations?
This course will offer a comprehensive framework for the practice of facilitation. You will learn how to design effective group discussions and establish a climate that facilitates frank and constructive dialogue and supports collaboration within and among groups. You’ll also learn about group dynamics and multi-party collaboration, as well as how to adjust your approach when meetings or events involve polarized conflict or controversy. You’ll have the opportunity to practice various facilitation techniques.
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DLOG706-VA1137 | 2 | Thursday–Friday Sep 19–20, 2013 9 am–4:30 pm |
Van | Julian Griggs | $450 | Join waitlist |
| DLOG706-VA1141 | 2 | Thursday–Friday Jan 30–31, 2014 9 am–4:30 pm |
Van | Julian Griggs | $450 | Register |
* You must be 19 or older.
What will I learn?
This course covers the following:
- The definition of a facilitator relative to other roles (convenor, trainer, mediator, chairperson, resource person, or advisor)
- The scope of a facilitator’s role, the boundaries of neutrality and impartiality, and the implications of different styles and approaches for group empowerment
- The degree to which a facilitator’s own personality and leadership style can impact his or her interaction with groups
- The attributes of effective and ineffective groups, the factors that shape group climate, and the importance of shared norms for collective behaviour
- The stages of group development and the shifting role of the facilitator as he or she matches a group's evolving needs
- Critical design and implementation stages for typical facilitation projects
- Tools for each of these stages, including scoping and assessment frameworks, templates for process design, methods for framing and supporting discussion, and strategies to address ineffective group behaviours
- Resources for further professional development in group facilitation and related areas
How will I learn?
- Advance readings
- Exercises
- Mini-lectures
- Group discussion
- Individual and group exercises
- Role playing
Who should take this course?
This course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about facilitation and principles and concepts of dialogue and civic engagement. It is suitable for learners who do not have previous experience with facilitation, dialogue, or civic or community engagement.
How will I be evaluated?
We will evaluate you based on your class participation and in-class assignments.
Textbooks and learning materials
We will provide custom course materials.