THE ART OF FACILITATION SKILLS

C.S. Lewis says: “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts. “

I’m one among the co-Instructor of the Instructor Development Course (IDC) held at Regional Training Center (RTC) 5, Camp BGeneral Simeon Ola, Legazpi City- a 10 Day course presented in partnership with the United States Department of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs and the United States Embassy, Manila.

On the first day of the course, I was tasked to give the Overview of the Course along with the Rights of the Participants and the House Rules where participants were reminded how they should interact, ensure respect with one another, observing “Ahead of Time” (AOT), distribution of their respective kits, their expectations in the course and Pre-Test Examination. Afterwhich, the Lead Instructor discussed on Principles of Adult Learning, part of it is an activity “Meet My Colleague” where participants were asked to introduce their partners in front followed by the “Magic Box” where they were given at least two minutes impromptu speech of items and/or questions they’ve got from the box for them to create visual mind-maps how their critical thinking has evolved. There are plenty of ice breakers before and after each modules are presented and before the start of the each session to keep up the momentum and energy. Unknown to some, such activities are all related to the modules presented and are relevant collaborative discussion guided by facilitators. As I thought, it is very challenging one, the participants are all veteran instructors of the Regional Training Center with their respective field of expertise. And I was right. There were some who wonder why a Police Inspector coming from Police Regional Office 1 in La Union travelled to Bicolandia to teach IDC.

Succeeding days of the course is head-breaking: the Modules of Instructional System Development (ISD), Training Needs Analysis (TNA), Learning Goals, Method of Instruction, Learning Environment, Non Verbal Communication and Developing Lesson Plan are inter-related with one another coupled with the emphasis of “R-A-M-P-2-F-A-M-E” and “R-O-P-E-S” Model. I was given the task to discuss on Facilitation Skills. I reminded the participants to consider the personal attributes of cultural diversity as a facilitator such as the tolerance of ambiguity, high level of self-awareness, enthusiasm & commitment, empathy, sense of humor and humility. Likewise share effective communication skills such as listening skills, observing skills, attending skills, questioning skills coupled with scanning, paraphrasing, inclusion, body language and the “cha-cha” style. These are all preparation in an hour of presentation of each participants which is mandatory where they will be evaluated accordingly based on some criteria: Proper introduction; Defining Learning Goals/ Training Objectives; Time Management; Personal Bearing; Method of Instruction; Facilitation Skills; Body of Presentation and others to know their progress of learning. Moreso, facilitation is an interesting, rewarding and essential role to take on whilst learning concept with the potential to change the behavior of the participants, the process of teaching and the path of learning.

Phase II of the course: Oral Presentation of each participants. There were two (2) participants who were intervened outright during their presentations for reason of not following what is incorporated in his Lesson Plan and the other who is not enthusiast to express his facilitation skills. They took their second chances in the afternoon session (last presenters) until they succeeded. Another three (3) participants burst in tears after their Oral presentation while the Golden Buzzer was tapped. With these different emotions from the participants, I ask myself- What is my objective as a facilitator, what is my enabling role? Did I met my objectives? Did I develop smooth relationship with the participants? Did I help them find their sparks? Did I provide them with unique and meaningful experiences? I knew that the role of a facilitator is multifaceted.

I believe the participants made the most of themselves and their potentials to become future adjunct instructors of ICITAP and to be better facilitators at Regional Training Center 5. And I believe I did not cut down the jungles but I irrigate the deserts.