Managing the Discussions
The facilitators need to get the balance right between managing the discussion without the delegates becoming stifled.
We found that most delegates on the pilot workshops both contributed and listened to the views of others. However, it is important that the facilitators try to encourage views from delegates who are more reserved, and prevent any one delegate contributing the bulk of the debate or discussion. In order to be most effective, all of the delegates need to be actively involved.
When the delegates report back after group or pair discussions, the facilitators can ensure that every group or pair is asked for their opinions, or ask other members of the group if they have anything to add to what was reported back.
Activities five, six, and seven all create potential for the facilitator to ask delegates directly for examples or thoughts, during managed discussions, and this opportunity should be extended. Conversely, delegates can be made to feel uncomfortable if a facilitator demands a response, rather than just offers the chance to speak.
We found that on the pilot workshops where the delegates knew each other prior to the sessions, the group was more willing to contribute examples and thoughts. There is also the danger that smaller groups may start to discuss something at a tangent, which will have to be managed by the facilitators. Facilitators should step in to prevent several conversations occurring at the same time, stressing the importance of listening to the examples cited by others.
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