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 foundational for civic engagement and a basic requirement for all those interested in convening dialogue and supporting effective collaboration.

This course will offer a comprehensive understanding of group facilitation and an introduction to the tools and practices needed to deliver this role effectively. You will examine design processes for effective group discussion and establish a climate that enables frank and constructive dialogue—within and among groups, and in settings where there are differences in power, rank, and cultural backgrounds. Using examples, case studies and hands-on exercises, you will learn how to design and facilitate meetings or events, including those that involve polarized conflict or controversy.

Location update: Due to the COVID-19 situation, courses scheduled to start before August 31 in Vancouver or Surrey will move to online-supported delivery.

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, Jun 17, 2020
Schedule details
  • Wed, Jun 17, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Thu, Jun 18, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Fri, Jun 19, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
 Julian Griggs
Elodie Jacquet		 $685.00 8 Register
Vancouver 3 Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020
Schedule details
  • Wed, Oct 14, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Thu, Oct 15, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Fri, Oct 16, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
 Julian Griggs
Natasha Aruliah		 $700.00 0 Join Waitlist
Vancouver 3 Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021
Schedule details
  • Wed, Feb 24, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Thu, Feb 25, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Fri, Feb 26, 9:00 am-4:30 pm
 Julian Griggs
Natasha Aruliah		 $700.00 8 Register

What will I learn?

By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Ensure all participants understand the history and roots of facilitation practices and how they are used to support group participation, dialogue and problem-solving in a variety of communities
  • Identify various styles of facilitation and clarify the core values that inform these styles
  • Develop skills and practices to address issues related to power, privilege and social equity effectively
  • Assemble a basic, comprehensive framework of process design, facilitation concepts and models to inform engagement with groups
  • Experiment with the application of facilitation tools and approaches through exercises, simulations and case studies

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 more about this course

"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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