For part of the advanced facilitation unit you need to write a short article. You can post this here as part of our blog. Also if you can send it to me I can post it into the resources area. Rita has completed an article and I have included this below. If you want to check – it is also under the resources tab in our Network site – just go to the title ‘Articles by students’.
Provide Advanced Facilitation to Support Learning Task 4
Rita
UNIT CODE: TAADEL503B
Introduction
Advanced facilitation involves the trainer/facilitator creating a conceptual and experiential framework of professional practice. A variety of teaching methodologies and delivery practices to suit different learner needs. Increasing diversity in the vocational education and training sector client base requires high levels of flexibility and delivery practices.
As a trainer/facilitator you must cater for differing levels of learner expertise, life experience, work experience and preferred learning styles. Potential barriers to learning are acknowledged and addressed, where possible, through learner support and adjustment strategies. You need to create an interesting learning environment and engage your learner. I currently work across multiply colleges for TAFE Western Sydney Institute. Western Sydney Institute covers many diverse cultures and social economic backgrounds.
Barriers to learning that I have experienced as a trainer and facilitator:
· Physical or intellectual disabilities
· Psychiatric disabilities
· Age
· Non English speaking backgrounds
· Ethnic differences and misunderstandings
· English as a second language
· Age
· Lack of Australian work experience and lack of understanding the Australian Culture
· Poor educational experiences
· Health status
· Learning problems
· Employment status
· No money to pay for text books and resources
· No access to resources Eg: Computer
· Issues arsing from gender
· Dependence of Centrelink
· Family and general social problems
· No mentors or role models in the learners life
· Poor attitude
· Carry a lot of emotional baggage
One aspect of advanced facilitation that interests me is using a variety of delivery methods. I like to use eLearning technologies and tools. Gilly Salmon’s Steps in the design of eLearning activities and interactions are:
· Setting up the system
· Encouraging and welcoming
· Sending and receiving messages
· Facilitating tasks
· Support use of learning materials
· Conferencing
· Providing links outside closed conferences
· Supporting and responding
· Ongoing communication and feedback
Strategies, tools and activities
The following table aligns eLearning delivery methods, tools and resources that can be supported and implemented as part of your ongoing advanced facilitation skills.
|
Teaching and learning strategies |
Tools or resources |
eLearning activities |
|
Brainstorming |
· Interactive whiteboard · Online forum · Instant messaging/chat · Roving brainstorm |
· Facilitated brainstorm · Email learning activity (ELA): 101 tips · Short answer questions |
|
Collaborative research |
· Internet search engines · Website resources · Collaboration websites eg: BLOG, WIKI, E-Portfolio. · ADOBE Connect · Online survey tool. Eg: Survey Monkey, ADOBE CAPTIVATE
|
· Online conference · Short answer questions · Case study · Research activities to support presentations, reports, analysis, design etc. |
|
Discussion |
· Online forum · Instant messaging/chat · Online meeting space · E-Portfolio |
· Facilitated discussion · Structured chat |
|
Role play |
· Video conferencing · Video recorder · Digital camera · Interactive game
|
· Scenario · Game play · Simulation |
|
Teaching and learning strategies |
Tools or resources |
eLearning activities
|
|
Storytelling |
· E-Portfolio · Presentation software such as PowerPoint, Photostory and MovieMaker. · Video recorder · Audio recorder |
· Show and tell · Movie making |
|
Reflection |
· BLOG, WIKI or E-Portfolio · Audio recorder · Video recorder · DVD Camera |
· E-Journal · Short answer questions · Scenario · Discussion |
|
Demonstration/Observation |
· Interactive tutorials (CD/DVD/online learning resources). · CD/DVD/online learning resource. · Digital photos · Video conferencing · Video recordings/vodcasts · Audio recordings/podcasts · MS Photostory, MS PowerPoint |
· Guided practice · Simulated practice · Skills demonstration
|
|
Interviewing |
· Audio recorder · Digital Camera · Video recorder · Online survey tool · Online forum · Instant messaging/chat · Spreadsheet · Workplace interviews · Using the appropriate questioning techniques
|
· Interviewing activities to support research and other knowledge construction |
|
Evaluation |
· Online survey tool · Online checklist · Spreadsheet · Interactive whiteboard · ADOBE Captivate online meeting space · Online forum · BLOG · WIKI |
· Discussion · Voting · Rating · Peer evaluation |
|
Teaching and learning strategies |
Tools or resources |
eLearning activities |
|
Mentoring |
· Audio/video clips · Podcasting · PC desktop-sharing tool · Online meeting space · Instant messaging · Internet links |
· Online tutorial · Online conference · Online support · Times of availability |
|
Knowledge check |
· Interactive activities · Forum · ADOBE Captivate: Activity builders. Drag and drop, match and sequence. · Discussions · Online meetings
|
· Case study · Quiz: short answer questions, multiple choice, True/False · Peer assessment · Game play |
|
Decision making |
· Interactive whiteboard · Roving brainstorm · Online forum · Online meeting space · Instant messaging/chat · Spreadsheet · WIKI · CD/DVD learning resource · Asynchronous and synchronous activities |
· Voting · Team building activities · Case study · Discussion · Debate |
|
Problem solving |
· Collaboration websites, eg: BLOG, WIKI, E-Portfolio · Simulation tool |
· Collaborative problem solving activities · Game play · Case study |
Communication Strategies
As a trainer/facilitator I must ensure that my message is communicated effectively to my learners so that they feel confident and empowered in performing the task/s ahead. By communicating effectively I can make a difference to our learners by providing them with new skills or revise skills they already have learnt. My communication style is very open and honest. At TAFE I demonstrate high level written and oral communication skills by:
Ø Selecting training delivery methods appropriate to the learner’s needs. For example On-Line Learning.
Ø Discussing learning outcomes, elements of competencies, reviewing student assessment guides, sequence of activities, and recognition of prior learning and assessment activities with the learners.
Ø Looking at the goals of the individual learner. For example increasing productivity, continual improvement, seeking a promotion at work.
Ø Using a systematic approach to training by planning, conducting and reviewing.
Ø Providing practice opportunities to ensure learners are able to acquire the components of competency. Work with the learner in a way which encourages openness and honesty.
Ø Using clear succinct language to ensure understanding. Provide clear and concrete options/advice
Ø Looking at the learners characteristics: level of maturity, cultural background, specific needs, physical or psychological, preferred learning styles, employment status and industry experience.
Ø Having a contingency plan. For example: Student ill for three weeks.
Ø Utilising my leadership and motivational skills. For example: maintaining focus, empowering the learner, inspiring the learner, visualising the learner’s perspective.
Ø Providing ongoing feedback to the learner. Feedback allows learners to assess their own performance and make necessary changes.
Ø Using email to distribute information to students and teachers. Involving students and teachers in the decision making process.
Ø Providing constructive support and feedback.
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