Seminar Skills
Top 5 Facilitation Strategies
1. Related activity
Explanation
Usually, the most fun and engaging seminars come out of a facilitation plan that includes some kind of new activity. It is always fun to break things up, talk with people you usually don't and create something new.
Examples
When reading Oedipus, Justine had us re-read the entire play as a class, assigning us characters and encouraging dramatic interpretations. It was so fun to play around with it, and hearing it in that format really helped us understand some of the denser sections.
When reading about nature, we've gone as a class on a nature walk, or sat in the grove near the art building for discussion.
It was really fun and challenging to think about how to tach Lies My Teacher Told Me to actual children without being offensive or beyond their level. We worked in pairs or trios to create a brief lesson plan for doing so on the topic of thanksgiving. It was especially helpful as a facilitation plan because it was our second day working on the book.
Explanation
This is when everyone writes down either a question or a quote and swaps it with someone else in one way or another. Then participants take turns reading the paper they're holding and discussing whatever is on it. One of the reasons i love this strategy so much is that it meets everyone wherever they're at. If someone really understood and grappled with the text, they will probably have insightful questions to add in, which will really foster discussion. If someone really struggled, didn't have time to finish reading, or is having a rough day, they can always open the book and add any quote. This is just as meaningful of a contribution, and will also foster discussion.
Examples
This is the most common strategy used by facilitators. I've done it so many times in so many variations, both as a facilitator and participant.
3. Debate
Explanation
Assigning a split group to viewpoints for a debate can be a great way to help participants see new viewpoints and aspects of the text. It also is great because you get to have multiple discussions, one with your smaller team, and one with the large group. Of course it's important to debrief after and let people share how they personally reacted to the text. This method is ranked higher because I appreciate the way that it structures the whole class.
Examples
When we read Phaedrus in Justine's 101, she had us randomly put on either side of a debate. It was incredibly frustrating, but I feel that it was the most effective way to help us understand his entire argument.
5. Added Media
Explanation
I'm talking about a short added reading, a video, or other exterior resource brought in and shared by the facilitator. Added media can be a great way to show how material from class is applicable outside of school. It also shows that the facilitator is thinking deeply about the content and how it can be meaningful outside of the seminar. However, I keep this at the bottom of my resource list because sometimes trying to unpack even more material can be overwhelming and counter productive. It is super important facilitators choose media that is meaningful and purposeful, and not just related and cool.
Examples
In Janet's 202, she brought in videos highlighting the inventors we had read about in Bright Continent. This was really cool and meaningful because it added a layer onto our discussion about media portrayal and interaction.
4. Think Pair Share
Explanation
Having people share in pairs before starting seminar is a great strategy for a few reasons. One, it gets a lot of the comments and empty opinions out of the way. Everyone has a chance to share what they felt without pulling discussion completely away from the text. It also encourages people to talk in seminar who may not want to. They could share their partner's idea, or talking to them and receiving positive feedback may encourage a shy participant to go for it. It also can generate new questions in addition to those participants brought in.
Examples
I especially appreciated this method in 101 when I felt it was super important to say everything i felt. It helped me clear the clutter out of my head and get ready for discussion.
2. Questions and Quotes
