Norris suggests that there are three facilitation skills necessary to keep the dialogue in a learner centered dialogue approach going. These are described as: waiting five seconds for a response; affirming all voices; and “weaving.
The author believes that after asking open questions it is necessary to wait an appropriate amount of time which she has determined to be five seconds. She suggests making eye contact with the room and even describes scanning the room with an “M” shape. Norris also advises to let the room know you are going to wait.
The second facilitation skill is further defined as being verbal as you listen. Respond with acknowledgements such as “I see” and “yes”. Thank your participant and tell them why you think what they’ve said is important.
Finally, “weaving” is a necessary skill in order to add cohesion. This can be done by verbally reviewing what has been said and what is to come. Weaving can also be used to tie things together.
Tomorrow I’m doing my part in our new hire training program. I will keep these ideas in mind and report back on how I have or haven’t used these skills. Does anyone have an example or comments on these or other facilitation skills?
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I like the point about weaving. I think it is key in tying the discussion back to the point and moving forward. I have used the technique but haven't heard of it referred to as weaving but it is very fitting. Open ended questions are key. I use these techniques not only in the classroom but via alternative methods as well. I always give the audience a heads up that I will be calling on someone. I even use this one during debriefs.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your new hire class will go flawlessly but I'll come back later in the week to see how it went!!