Page 5 - Peer 2 Peer Learning Start-up kit

Challenges
Embrace the new!
Peer-to-peer techniques and approach are different. It’s not about telling people. It’s about sharing and learning from each other. Resist the temptation to do what feels safe and challenge yourself to take a new approach.
What makes a good facilitator?
The skills and knowledge required to be an effective facilitator include the ability to:
z develop the process to effectively facilitate the sessions
z establish the group norms, build trust and assist the group to
work effectively together
z ask the right questions to help farm teams articulate the issues that are affecting performance
z include all members of the group (and farm teams) when they are present
z understand and judge the prior knowledge and skill of the group and therefore the information required to ‘top up’
z select the technical experts and work with them to create ‘engaging’ presentations that contribute to the process
z react appropriately to group discussions and adjust meeting format and content to meet the needs of the group
z define the objectives of the group and ensure these are addressed
z provide opportunity for reflection and accountability
z be self-aware—the role is to facilitate not provide expert input or bias decisions.
z Let the group drive the topic and focus. The facilitator’s role is to draw out what will be of most use to the group.
Tips
z The facilitator should be with the group, not of the group. They need to be impartial and able to focus on the people and the process.
z Facilitation is a skill. Seek out some training and practice!
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