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Facilitator Facilitator Resource PageResource Page

Here's the link to the public page...Here's the link to the public page...

http://21stcenturylearning.wikispaces.com

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This Day Will Matter!This Day Will Matter! This session will provide participants the opportunity to

engage in a global "think tank" around the topic of educating in and for the 21st Century. The end result will be a collaborative action plan and exposure to a strategic process participants can use to garner buy-in in their organizations.

Educational leaders will be given the opportunity for collaborative conversation geared toward generating ideas about what can and will work as we prepare to meet the needs of the 21st Century student.

Participants will be divided into groups and given the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions on this important topic. The discussions and recommendations will be shared via a wiki and possibly compiled into an executive summary.

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Our Goal?Our Goal?

We want you to draw on your skills, knowledge, and abilities as facilitators to help participants develop an action plan toward 21st Century school reform.

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With a Variety of With a Variety of ParticipantsParticipants

Educational LeadersEducational Leaders

And ?And ?

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Facilitators’ DutiesFacilitators’ Duties

Facilitate Round Robin DiscussionFacilitate Round Robin Discussion Help to Facilitate Infinity ProcessHelp to Facilitate Infinity Process Help with debrief at conference Help with debrief at conference

closeclose Each pair of facilitators will need Each pair of facilitators will need

a laptop for the Round Robin. a laptop for the Round Robin. Other materials will be provided. Other materials will be provided.

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Group Process Group Process

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PurposePurposeGuiding QuestionsGuiding Questions What strategies can we collectively develop What strategies can we collectively develop

to support the needs of the 21to support the needs of the 21stst Century learner? Century learner? How can we use what we know and what How can we use what we know and what

works to build an action plan toward positive works to build an action plan toward positive change?change?

What skill improvement do I need as a What skill improvement do I need as a professional development designer/leader to be professional development designer/leader to be effective?effective?

End goal is to produce several observable, measurable End goal is to produce several observable, measurable recommendations.recommendations.

Compile all group work into a collective action plan.Compile all group work into a collective action plan. Share the resultsShare the results Model a process that can be used in participant’s schools.Model a process that can be used in participant’s schools.

Participants will discuss ways to plan collectively and strategically for the future, develop a professional development plan for 21st Century skill building, and make sure all students have equitable access to a 21st century education.

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Scribe’s DutiesScribe’s Duties

Use laptop to:Use laptop to: Record names, positions of participants (do Record names, positions of participants (do

not attribute comments w/ individuals)not attribute comments w/ individuals) Capture the main points of each speakerCapture the main points of each speaker Support points with quotes whenever possibleSupport points with quotes whenever possible

Assist facilitator by asking people to clarify what they’ve said, speak louder or to speak one at a time.

Assist facilitator by recording information on charts and Assist facilitator by recording information on charts and then transferring that information to the laptop at the then transferring that information to the laptop at the end of the sessionend of the session..

Co-facilitate when needed.Co-facilitate when needed.

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Scribe’s DutiesScribe’s DutiesAfter the SessionAfter the Session

Debrief shortly with your facilitation partner to clarify Debrief shortly with your facilitation partner to clarify and come to agreement on what was captured. and come to agreement on what was captured.

Clean up notes so they can be easily read later for Clean up notes so they can be easily read later for inclusion in the possible concept paper to follow.inclusion in the possible concept paper to follow.

In addition to the detailed notes of the discussions, In addition to the detailed notes of the discussions, please include responses to the following questions:please include responses to the following questions:

What points of consensus emerged in the discussion?What points of consensus emerged in the discussion? On which points were the participants’ responses divided?On which points were the participants’ responses divided? On which points did participants reveal a wide range of On which points did participants reveal a wide range of

responses? responses?

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Agenda- 2 Hour ProcessAgenda- 2 Hour Process

Welcome and overview -10 minutes

Round Robin Discussion – 25 minutes

Affinity Diagram – 30 minutes Generating proactive solutions and

innovations and ideas Sharing in Pairs Categorization

Weighted Ranking of Generated Categories – 5 minutes

Crafting of Recommendations in small groups– 25 minutes

Report out – during debriefing (have highlights to share )

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Your Round Robin “Script”Your Round Robin “Script”

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Introduce Yourself and Explain Introduce Yourself and Explain PurposePurpose

Thanks for coming. My name is _______ and this is Thanks for coming. My name is _______ and this is ________ we’ll be the facilitators for our round robin ________ we’ll be the facilitators for our round robin discussion this afternoon. discussion this afternoon.

The purpose of this discussion isThe purpose of this discussion is To identify possible barriers to supporting teachers in To identify possible barriers to supporting teachers in

meeting the needs of the 21meeting the needs of the 21stst Century learner. Century learner.

Your comments today will be compiled with the other Your comments today will be compiled with the other participants in the develop of an action plan around 21participants in the develop of an action plan around 21stst Century school reform.Century school reform.

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Facilitator’s RoleFacilitator’s Role

As the facilitator, I’m going to stay neutral. As the facilitator, I’m going to stay neutral. But I may play “devil’s advocate” from time But I may play “devil’s advocate” from time to time if I think that will stimulate the to time if I think that will stimulate the discussion and bring out concerns or views discussion and bring out concerns or views that need to be considered. that need to be considered.

If I keep pressing you to explain your views, If I keep pressing you to explain your views, I’m not trying to put you on the spot. I’m I’m not trying to put you on the spot. I’m just trying to get as much information from just trying to get as much information from you as I can.you as I can.

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ScribeScribe (Name of co-facilitator) will take (Name of co-facilitator) will take

notes and work with me as we notes and work with me as we have our discussion.have our discussion. The purpose is to maintain a The purpose is to maintain a

record of every discussion.record of every discussion. The information we record will go The information we record will go

into the summary report.into the summary report. We will not record the name of We will not record the name of

persons as they speak, only who is persons as they speak, only who is in attendance. in attendance.

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Housekeeping MattersHousekeeping Matters Our discussion will last 1.5 hours. It will be Our discussion will last 1.5 hours. It will be

fast paced and action packed. Synchronize fast paced and action packed. Synchronize watches. (Time will matter)watches. (Time will matter)

Restrooms are located _____.Restrooms are located _____.

Unless you have to be available for an Unless you have to be available for an emergency, please turn off your cell emergency, please turn off your cell phones.phones.

Any questions?Any questions?

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Ground RulesGround Rules We will cover one question with your introduction We will cover one question with your introduction

embedded during the Round Robin portion. Each of embedded during the Round Robin portion. Each of you will have one shot – uninterrupted – at this you will have one shot – uninterrupted – at this question. question.

When each of you has had 1-2 minutes (or less) to When each of you has had 1-2 minutes (or less) to say what you want about the first question, we'll say what you want about the first question, we'll move on to our next agenda item.move on to our next agenda item.

Only if time allows, will we have a general Only if time allows, will we have a general discussion at the end of this round robin discussion at the end of this round robin discussion.discussion.

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Ground Rules (cont.)Ground Rules (cont.) Remember, this activity is not a discussion.Remember, this activity is not a discussion.

If you want to use part (or all) of your 1 minute to If you want to use part (or all) of your 1 minute to respond to what someone else said, that's fine. If respond to what someone else said, that's fine. If you change your mind about what you want to say you change your mind about what you want to say because of what someone else says, great. But no because of what someone else says, great. But no back and forth please; we don't have time for it. back and forth please; we don't have time for it.

If an issue comes up that you would like to discuss, If an issue comes up that you would like to discuss, you can add it to the “Parking Lot” sheet, and if we you can add it to the “Parking Lot” sheet, and if we have time at the end, we'll discuss the parking lot have time at the end, we'll discuss the parking lot ideas. ideas.

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Express Your ViewsExpress Your Views Try to express your views fully and Try to express your views fully and

candidly, no matter what your fellow candidly, no matter what your fellow participants may think. Everyone is participants may think. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. entitled to his or her own opinion.

We’re not here to debate or argue. What We’re not here to debate or argue. What we want is for each of you to speak we want is for each of you to speak honestly and frankly. It’s my job to make honestly and frankly. It’s my job to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to sure that everyone has an opportunity to do so and feels comfortable enough to do so and feels comfortable enough to speak his or her mind.speak his or her mind.

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Allow for Equal ParticipationAllow for Equal Participation

Everyone will be given a chance to Everyone will be given a chance to talk. talk.

Listen carefully and respectfully. Listen carefully and respectfully.

We’re not here to reach a decision, We’re not here to reach a decision, achieve consensus, or persuade each achieve consensus, or persuade each other, but to share our views.other, but to share our views.

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Any Questions?Any Questions?

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Read the first question aloud Read the first question aloud to the group and begin. . .to the group and begin. . .

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Notes to FacilitatorsNotes to FacilitatorsRound Robin ConsiderationsRound Robin Considerations

The purpose of this activity is three The purpose of this activity is three fold- fold- To get each participant’s name recorded To get each participant’s name recorded

as having attended.as having attended. To build community and get the trust To build community and get the trust

faction started within the group.faction started within the group. To use the barriers (negative views) as a To use the barriers (negative views) as a

spring board toward creating proactive spring board toward creating proactive solutions- (we give it the least amount of solutions- (we give it the least amount of time, yet we get it out there.) time, yet we get it out there.)

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Affinity ProcessAffinity Process Ok. Stop writing. Now I would like for you Ok. Stop writing. Now I would like for you

to get into pairs, working with the person to get into pairs, working with the person next to you, and looking at your next to you, and looking at your combined Post It notes start to categorize combined Post It notes start to categorize the ideas into chunks under 5-6 the ideas into chunks under 5-6 overarching topics. overarching topics.

Note to Facilitator….Give some examples Note to Facilitator….Give some examples by looking at someone’s ideas closest to by looking at someone’s ideas closest to you. you.

You have 10 minutesYou have 10 minutes

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Affinity ProcessAffinity ProcessNote to FacilitatorsNote to Facilitators

While they are chunking into categories While they are chunking into categories together start to make charts with topic together start to make charts with topic headings and put up around the room. Work headings and put up around the room. Work quickly and quietly– listening to what the quickly and quietly– listening to what the pairs are suggesting for headings as they pairs are suggesting for headings as they organize their ideas into categories. organize their ideas into categories.

Start the process– try to capture as many Start the process– try to capture as many headings as possible and put the charts up headings as possible and put the charts up on the walls while they are working in pairs. on the walls while they are working in pairs. (make room for voting next to the title)(make room for voting next to the title)

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Time CheckTime CheckNote to facilitatorsNote to facilitators

While they are voting– recalculate your While they are voting– recalculate your time. We hope you have 25 minutes left time. We hope you have 25 minutes left before it is time to dismiss. But this is before it is time to dismiss. But this is where you will make adjustments. where you will make adjustments.

Once you see how many minutes you have Once you see how many minutes you have left– allot them accordingly. left– allot them accordingly.

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RecommendationsRecommendationsNote to FacilitatorsNote to Facilitators

Facilitators circulate and guide process along– Facilitators circulate and guide process along– interjecting tough questions to deepen discussion as the interjecting tough questions to deepen discussion as the groups explore the ideas represented.groups explore the ideas represented.

Scribes can use this time to capture information from Scribes can use this time to capture information from charts in room. charts in room.

Goal is for each group to get at least three Goal is for each group to get at least three recommendations crafted. recommendations crafted.

Let them know if they disagree with the Let them know if they disagree with the recommendation choice of their group, they can submit recommendation choice of their group, they can submit their own written recommendation to you at the end for their own written recommendation to you at the end for consideration, but try to work together for consensus. consideration, but try to work together for consensus.

Make sure you get their recommendations in writing Make sure you get their recommendations in writing before they leave the room.before they leave the room.

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CloseClose

Collect all written input.Collect all written input. Thank them for their hard work and ideas.Thank them for their hard work and ideas. Remind them of Next StepsRemind them of Next Steps

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Now what…Now what… After the, you will have a short After the, you will have a short

period of time to clean up your period of time to clean up your notes, save the recommendations notes, save the recommendations to a flash drive or the wiki. to a flash drive or the wiki. Save 2 files –Save 2 files –

Lastname_rec.docLastname_rec.doc Lastname_barriers (for all other captured Lastname_barriers (for all other captured

material)material) Email files to sheryl@plpnetwork.comEmail files to sheryl@plpnetwork.com

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Any Questions?Any Questions?

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Advantages ofAdvantages ofFacilitated GroupsFacilitated Groups

They allow people to speak for them-They allow people to speak for them-selves, in their own words -- to “tell selves, in their own words -- to “tell their own stories.”their own stories.”

They allow participants to clarify They allow participants to clarify their views through interactions with their views through interactions with each other.each other.

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How do you Conduct aHow do you Conduct aLarge Facilitated Group with Large Facilitated Group with

a Firm Goal in Mind?a Firm Goal in Mind? It isn’t magic.It isn’t magic. Key principleKey principle: Show genuine : Show genuine

curiosity about participants’ beliefs curiosity about participants’ beliefs and attitudes, and encourage and attitudes, and encourage participants to do the same.participants to do the same.

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Some GuidelinesSome Guidelines

1.1. Act as a catalystAct as a catalyst. . Stimulate and prompt. Don’t comment Stimulate and prompt. Don’t comment

or debate.or debate. Don’t become the center of attention--Don’t become the center of attention--

pose a question and fade into the pose a question and fade into the background.background.

Make participants feel that everyone’s Make participants feel that everyone’s views are important.views are important.

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2. 2. Stay on taskStay on task.. Be sure you know the purpose of each Be sure you know the purpose of each

discussion/group process.discussion/group process. What the group wants to talk about must What the group wants to talk about must

come second to the topic of the room. come second to the topic of the room. Keep everyone on target.Keep everyone on target.

Focus on the questions: Know them. Have Focus on the questions: Know them. Have them in writing to refer to as the them in writing to refer to as the discussion progresses.discussion progresses.

Move the discussion forward.Move the discussion forward.

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3. 3. Be FlexibleBe Flexible.. Don’t be afraid to improvise.Don’t be afraid to improvise. The discussion doesn’t have to be The discussion doesn’t have to be

perfectly linear.perfectly linear. Go with promising leads.Go with promising leads. Keep your eye on the time and allocate Keep your eye on the time and allocate

it in proportion to the importance of it in proportion to the importance of the question or point being discussed.the question or point being discussed.

Move on when you need to.Move on when you need to. During small group sessions circulate During small group sessions circulate

and keep discussions moving and and keep discussions moving and groups on task.groups on task.

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4. 4. Ask -- and ask againAsk -- and ask again..

Ask each participant what he or she Ask each participant what he or she thinks.thinks.

Ask probing questions to deepen Ask probing questions to deepen thinking and the quality of responses.thinking and the quality of responses.

Ask participants what they think of Ask participants what they think of other participants’ responses.other participants’ responses.

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5.5. Create a “safe place” for Create a “safe place” for differences.differences.

Focus on understanding the deep Focus on understanding the deep concerns that underlie participants’ views.concerns that underlie participants’ views.

Pay attention to how people talk about the Pay attention to how people talk about the issues. What words do they use?issues. What words do they use?

What’s the “emotional tone” of their What’s the “emotional tone” of their comments?comments?

What does their “body language” suggest What does their “body language” suggest about how they feel?about how they feel?

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5.5. Create a “safe place” for Create a “safe place” for differences (continued).differences (continued). Are there different unexpressed Are there different unexpressed

assumptions?assumptions? Do participants have different personal Do participants have different personal

needs, hopes, fears? needs, hopes, fears? Find out what people agree on, but don’t Find out what people agree on, but don’t

overlook differences of opinion. (Can be overlook differences of opinion. (Can be difficult when a norm of civility and difficult when a norm of civility and politeness prevails.)politeness prevails.)

UnderstandUnderstand. . AppreciateAppreciate. . AcknowledgeAcknowledge. .

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7.7. Gently, tactfully, and firmly, Gently, tactfully, and firmly, keep asking “keep asking “Why?Why?””

Until participants can’t give an Until participants can’t give an answer, oranswer, or

Show discomfort, orShow discomfort, or Give an answer that is self-evident -- Give an answer that is self-evident --

i.e., it doesn’t call for an additional i.e., it doesn’t call for an additional “why?”“why?”

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The Bottom LineThe Bottom Line Keep the discussion focused on the topic. Have Keep the discussion focused on the topic. Have

them generate as many creative ideas as them generate as many creative ideas as possible. Then help them refine their thoughts possible. Then help them refine their thoughts to one or two well crafted recommendations. to one or two well crafted recommendations. Don’t allow people to get off task.Don’t allow people to get off task.

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What Can Go Wrong?What Can Go Wrong?

People don’t say People don’t say anythinganything..

Don’t panic. Re-Don’t panic. Re-word the question.word the question.

Play devil’s Play devil’s advocate.advocate.

Call on people -- Call on people -- ask: “What do you ask: “What do you think?”think?”

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Someone Gets Someone Gets Emotional.Emotional.

Acknowledge, empathize with the Acknowledge, empathize with the expressed feelings or emotions.expressed feelings or emotions.

Recognize strength in diverse thought Recognize strength in diverse thought and opinion.and opinion.

Redirect the discussion to a positive Redirect the discussion to a positive aspect of the statement.aspect of the statement.

Understand. Appreciate. Acknowledge.Understand. Appreciate. Acknowledge.

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One or More People Want One or More People Want to Argue a Point.to Argue a Point.

Use distraction- (Like when kids argue) Use distraction- (Like when kids argue) Ask other group members for their opinion, Ask other group members for their opinion,

“How do you feel about that?”“How do you feel about that?” Move the disagreement outside of the group Move the disagreement outside of the group

if possible. “It’s clear we don’t have group if possible. “It’s clear we don’t have group consensus on this. Let’s move on.”consensus on this. Let’s move on.”

Put it in the Parking Lot to discuss later if Put it in the Parking Lot to discuss later if time allows.time allows.

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Someone has a Personal Issue or Someone has a Personal Issue or Problem Related to the Topic.Problem Related to the Topic.

Sympathize with the problem or issue but Sympathize with the problem or issue but explain that it can’t be dealt with explain that it can’t be dealt with adequately at this time. adequately at this time.

Offer to place the issue on the Parking Lot Offer to place the issue on the Parking Lot sheet and if time allows, discuss it at the sheet and if time allows, discuss it at the end of the session.end of the session.

Suggest they write their concerns down and Suggest they write their concerns down and give to the facilitator at the end of the give to the facilitator at the end of the breakout session as all written and oral breakout session as all written and oral comments are going to be considered and comments are going to be considered and put in the collective space.put in the collective space.

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Try to find out what’s behind their need to Try to find out what’s behind their need to talk.talk.

Understand. Appreciate. Acknowledge.Understand. Appreciate. Acknowledge. Invoke your responsibility to hear all Invoke your responsibility to hear all

participants’ views.participants’ views. Ask other participants to sanction your Ask other participants to sanction your

decision to move on.decision to move on.

One or Two People Dominate

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Remember...Remember...

Focus on the questions/processes.Focus on the questions/processes. Probe for underlying concerns.Probe for underlying concerns. Understand. Appreciate. Understand. Appreciate.

Acknowledge.Acknowledge. Relax and enjoy the conversation.Relax and enjoy the conversation.