Facilitator Roles

Getting Started

Introduce yourself, the topic, your interest in the topic.

Identify someone to take notes on a Google document.

Identify someone to create a visual record of the learning on the board or on paper.

Choose a protocol that feels right for the group (some groups may need more structure)

In order to keep the conversation moving encourage each participant to:

• Watch their airtime.
• Take time to listen actively.
• Ask clarifying questions to enhance understanding.
• Notice when others are about to speak and create space.
• Engage to explore knowledge and experience from everyone.

Round Robin

Begin with a guiding question. For example, ‘How can we use assessment data to guide our instruction.’ Then ask each person to share a short response to the guiding question. Try to go around the room so no one misses a turn to speak.

What? So What? Now What? (modified)

5 minutes: What? The group identifies the problem of practice or topic. Narrow the problem.

5 minutes: So What? Why is this problem important? Why is this essential to our work?

15 minutes: Now What? The group talks about possible next steps concerning the problem. What are solutions? What are ideas that address the problem? What supports are needed?

Compass Points

Considering the idea, question, or proposition, ask each participants to answer the following: (take about 5 minutes for each round)

E=Excitements: What excites you about this idea. What are the upsides?

W=Worries: What do you find worrisome about this idea? What are the downsides?

N=Needs: What else do you need to know or find out about this idea?

S= Steps/Suggestions: What would your next step be for this idea? What suggestions do you have at this point?