Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Continuing Studies

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Dialogue and Civic Engagement Certificate / Courses / Effective Group Facilitation

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 practise various facilitation techniques.

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):

Campus Session(s) Starting Instructor(s) Cost Seats available  
Vancouver 3 Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019
Schedule details
  • Wed, Oct 16, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Thu, Oct 17, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Fri, Oct 18, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
 Julian Griggs $685.00 0 Join Waitlist
Vancouver 3 Wednesday, Feb 12, 2020
Schedule details
  • Wed, Feb 12, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Thu, Feb 13, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Fri, Feb 14, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
 Julian Griggs $685.00 3 Register

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.

Hear from the instructor

"Meetings of one sort or another are at the very heart of civic engagement and dialogue. Unfortunately, a lot of those meetings are not very productive—and sometimes downright frustrating. Facilitation is...a role of service that supports group behaviour and helps groups function at their absolute best." —Julian Griggs

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