Tips & Tools for the Art of Experiential Group Facilitation, Second Edition

JENNIFER STANCHFIELD, MS

ISBN: 978-1-939019-19-6 SIZE: 6 x 9 PAGE COUNT: 224

“Facilitation is both an art and science. By its very nature, it is an experiential practice… it takes practice balanced with reflection and more practice… it is an ever dynamic process of give and take, learning and development.”

The first edition of Tips & Tools, published almost a decade ago, was embraced enthusiastically by seasoned experiential educators and training professionals seeking inspiration, new perspectives, and an insightful overview of experiential learning. We have received a great deal of positive feedback from readers who have made this book their go-to resource, sharing Tips & Tools with students, clients, and colleagues to enhance the art of group facilitation and teaching. The second edition of Tips & Tools eclipses the first with insights gained from another decade of experience in group facilitation and new information coming from the field of educational neuroscience. As a result, the ideas and methods focused on active engagement, ownership in learning, and facilitating meaningful reflection have been greatly expanded. The layout of information is more effective—experiential theory and perspectives, hands-on activities, and teachable moments flow from one chapter to the next—making this edition an essential resource for practicing and teaching the art of experiential group facilitation.

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Table of Contents

Foreword Introduction to Second Edition Introduction Chapter 1: Laying the Foundation The Experiential Approach Brain-Based Learning Principles of Experiential Education✽ Guiding Your Group Practices of a Participant-Centered Facilitator✽ The Power of Play Chapter 2: Setting the Tone: A Positive Environment for Learning Recipe for Building a Positive Group Environment Key Ingredients for Creating Positive Learning Environments✽ The Physical Environment Starting With Style Benefits of Using Objects/Images as Starter/Transitional Activities✽ Beware the Icebreaker The Next Step: Building Rapport Importance of Names Chapter 3: Designing the Experience: Sequencing Group Activities Sequencing Suggestions✽ Emotional Safety Knowing Your Group Chapter 4: Creating Ownership and Facilitating Involvement Control and Responsibility Challenge and Choice What Builds Trust? Authentic Trust Building✽ Involving Reluctant Group Members✽ Showing Appreciation and Celebrating Success Establishing or Formalizing Group Norms Chapter 5: Aspects of Effective Facilitation: Cultivating Style Attitude is Everything Know the Why Behind What You Do Creativity Connecting Creativity and Facilitation✽ Welcome the Unexpected/Trust Group Process Be Culturally Sensitive Adapt to Varying Needs and Abilities Co-Facilitation Allow for Labor in Learning What Is Success? The Language We Use: Reflection Versus Debriefing The Improvisational Facilitator Chapter 6: Facilitation Tricks and Tips Engaging Ways to Manage the Group Healthy Competition Using Group Consensus Activities Take Advantage of Transitions Something In Your Back Pocket The Creative Use of Props Integrating Popular Culture Re-Use, Repurpose, Upcycle Chapter 7: Meaningful Reflection Brings Learning to Life The Brain, Learning, and Reflection Facilitating Reflection Sequencing Reflection Processing in the Middle of an Experience The Art of Facilitating Reflection✽ Twists on the Traditional Sharing Circle Creating Meaning With Metaphor Using Pictures/Objects in Reflection✽ Ideas for Using Art in Reflection✽ Self-Reflection and Journaling The Icing on the Cake/Strong Endings Benefits of Reflective Practice Chapter 8: Tying It All Together Record Keeping Did It Work? Outcomes-Based Evaluation Action Research Tips for Facilitator Reflection/Information Gathering✽ Closing Thoughts Acknowledgements Appendix A: Team Tally Activity List References Resources Index About the Author