This is based on a contribution forwarded to the site by Rose Mortenson (AGCAS)

Encouraging Confusion

Learning takes place when we move from a place of confusion to clarity. If we provide too much information and assistance we are limiting their capacity to learn from the experience. However we should respond if a request is made for help, though this should be limited to what is asked for.

Gentle Interventions

Doing nothing –

leaving the group to sort things out for themselves

Using silence –

essential for reflection; helpful to restore calm; allows space for thinking and problem solving (we often don’t appreciate how much we actually know and silent thinking often releases information from our unconscious mind); can provide an opportunity to explore with individuals or small groups the basis of their fear of silence

Support –

verbal and non-verbal contributions, which support what is happening or what is being said. This empowers individuals and the group and helps integrate you into the group

Clarifying –

checking what is happening, checking your understanding of contributions, checking acceptability of process

Persuasive Interventions

Questions to move the group –

can be very gentle e.g. “are you ready to go on now?” or more firm “are you ready to go on yet?”

Questions on where next –

the move on is assumed and emphasis is on where next e.g. “Ok so where do you want to go now?”

Suggesting choices –

this will have a direct impact on what happens next so try not to limit choices unnecessarily

Suggesting paths –

offering various ways the group could proceed if they have lost their way and ask for suggestions

Sharing your ideas –

giving your view is probably more directive than you intend depending on how much power the group has invested in you as the facilitator

Suggesting action –

the most persuasive intervention useful if the group is completely at a loss or if the energy is very low but still offer several options

Directive Interventions

Guiding the group –

by suggesting what you would do in their situation, or do something yourself such as write on the flip chart

Choosing for the group –

you deciding what the group should do next e.g. “I think it would be useful for us to stop at this point and …”

Directing the group –

telling the group what they will do next