Facilitation Skills Training

November 8, 2018

In our professional and community roles, we are often expected to produce results in collaboration with others, yet facilitation skills are not routinely taught or learned. As members or leaders of groups we often learn on the fly, mimicking what we’ve observed from others in the role of facilitator. But these practitioners may or may not be solid role models for our learning.
If you have ever been in a position in which you wished you had more skills or practice, then it may be time for training in facilitation skills.

What is the value in facilitation skills?

Video: The Value of Facilitation Training (YouTube)

Training in facilitation skills is designed to help you…

  • build stronger dynamic groups
  • run more effective meetings
  • have increased confidence
  • practice techniques you can use
  • increase your awareness of what and who makes your group work

What is facilitation?

It is the design and management of structures and processes that help a group do its work and minimize the common problems people have working together. Facilitation is, therefore, a neutral process (with respect to the content and participants) that may focus on:

  • what needs to be accomplished
  • task design, flow, and sequence
  • communication patterns
  • appropriate levels of participation
  • group energy, momentum, and capability
  • the physical and psychological environment

Many ways to learn

Educators at Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension have developed a range of training options to help professionals, community members, and students to build in-person and/or virtual facilitation skills. Explore these options: