Make the students do the work.

It occurs to me that many may not understand the difference between Facilitation and Instructing. I am sure there are many definitions and my way of defining facilition may be just that, however, I have some advice for how to facilitate lessons while enjoying yourseld.

Definition? Instructors train students to perform tasks. These tasks must be measureable and the ability of the student to perform after training is a direct reflection of the quality of instruction.

Facilitation is exposing students to information and allowing them to explore alternatives with expert assistance available. In short good facilitators are nothing more than tour guides to learning. Students must pick and choose what path to take.

So How can you have more fun?

First, figure out if your task is to instruct or facilitate. If the crowd is knowledgeable then facilitation seems to work better. If not you are nearly forced to instruct.

Now can we have more fun?

Almost, Please understand if you are facilitating then the students have knowledge you can use and sometimes experience. This means that they can do the work and you can just guide them through it. How liberating. Make them do the work so if nothing else you have fun. Sounds selfish but faced with this challenge and feeding off of your ability to have fun, most times your students will perform. If not maybe you evaluated their competence, improply.

Ways to have fun.

-If you are a strong structure type get over yourself. In facilitation the rules are very negotiable.

-Get toys into the room, the more they resemble toys 5 and 6 year olds play with the better.

-play music on breaks, not just pop, but disco and movie soundtracks seem to work well.

-Laugh as much as you can it relaxes you and the students.

-Probably not a bad idea to warn students that this lesson will be like no other, and challenge yourself to make it so.

-Have small nerf or waterballs(without water of course) and allow students to throw them if someone seems less than interested.

-Games are usually fun and make lessons more easy to absorb so find a game that works for your lesson.

-Do things unexpectedly, this may alarm so students but if done with a learning purpose then it will likely be a hit

-Use appropriate videos and icebreakers

In short be selfish if are having fun and guiding students through the lesson then it is likely you will set new standards of effective facilitation for yourself.

I hope this is helpful and I am very interested in your comments.

Now laugh at yourself and smile tommorrow.