Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

34 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

Step 8: Facilitating the course

As a learning facilitator, you are responsible for much more than just

communicating a set of practices and techniques. You are responsible for the

learning environment of your class. All participants should feel that their input is

valuable and that they are able to voice their opinions and be heard and respected by

others. The best way to create this kind of environment is to set an example. Welcome

the participants and show them that what they think and feel matters to you. Really

listen to what they have to say and try to give everyone a chance to speak. Encourage

those who are shy. Encourage humor and a playful attitude.

A relaxed, open, and respectful atmosphere is vital, and there are several

simple ways to support this:

• In large-group presentations you can reinforce this learning atmosphere by
  keeping lectures simple and brief, using pictures and lots of examples that the
  participants can relate with to illustrate your points.


• Let people know at the start of each day what the learning objectives are so
  they can participate in reaching them with you.


• Allow time for questions and comments about ideas or instructions that are
  unclear to the participants.


• Arrange the seating in the classroom, if possible, into a large circle, where
  everyone can be face to face, and you, as the facilitator, are part of the circle
  of learners, rather than separate from and above them. This will support more
  participatory involvement.


• For creative thinking exercises and design tasks you can divide the participants
  into small groups of 3-5 people. Doing this maximizes the time for each person
  to contribute and provides a more intimate setting, where people feel more
  comfortable sharing ideas than they would in front of a large group.


• Pose questions that empower people, make them curious and inspire them to
  use their imaginations. Emphasize that there are no “right” answers – everyone’s
  perspective is unique and everyone’s contribution is valuable. The most creative
  solutions often emerge from collective ideas – when everyone contributes to the
  conversation.


• Alternate between classroom work and field practice, and use creative classroom
  learning techniques to appeal to and engage all the senses. This will keep all
  participants alert and involved. For each topic, include a balanced combination
  of field practice and classroom lessons filled with lively, participatory exercises.
  Especially in sessions involving a lot of concentrated thought, technical
  information, or new concepts, brainstorming, energizers, games, and reflection
  help people to integrate new material in a fun, relaxed manner.

Note: A selection of effective formats you can use to energize group learning and activate

learner creativity is provided both in the individual modules and in the Appendix of this

book.