Recently, I’ve noticed that some corporations call their trainers “facilitators.” I canonly assume this is meant to be shorthand for “facilitator of learning.” However, is”facilitator” really an appropriate term when the “facilitator” uses only lecture andPower Point? Are facilitating a strategic planning session and teaching someone howto do that really the same thing?Even the roots of the two words interplay. “Educe,” the root of “educate,” literallymeans “to bring out.” That is what the best trainers do…but isn’t it also whatfacilitators do? The root of “facilitate,” of course, is “facile,” or to make a process”easy.” The best trainers seem to make learning easy, don’t they?It’s no wonder confusion exists. The greatest trainers and facilitators do share manycharacteristics and behaviors. However, I believe the role of trainer and facilitatorare ineluctably different and that it’s important to distinguish between them. Thiswill not only help reduce confusion about the terms, but (more importantly, to me-)ensure they retain real meaning.Let’s Talk TermsEven though the term “training” is broadly accepted for the field of adult education,some in our field argue that “training” itself is an unacceptable word. They arguethat the word conjures up “dog training” or other potentially de-humanizing acts.Others in the field of adult education differentiate between terms training,instruction and education, but conclude that all are necessary to help people learn.(Stolovitch and Keeps, 2002.) Most adult educators use “train” as an umbrella termfor what they do.4 Major Differences Between Facilitator and Trainer RolesGreat Facilitator-Is not necessarily a content expert.-Is an expert in many forms of group process (including inter-and-intra-groupconflict resolution, strategic planning, team building, etc.)-Often helps the group to define and verbalize its own outcomes (e.g. to solve aspecific problem or develop a new procedure.) When outcomes are externallyprescribed, helps the group develop, implement and “own” action steps to achievethe outcomes.-Sees facilitation as a process to help achieve specific “bits” of broad organizationalgoals.Great Adult Educator (Trainer)-Is a content expert.-Is not necessarily expert in many forms of group process. Instead, continuallydevelops new methods to help participants achieve specific learning outcomes.-Most often in corporate, organizational or higher education settings, the trainerdoes not help each learner group establish its own learning outcomes. (That’s awhole other approach, called Popular Education.)-Often focuses on training’s impact on actual, discrete job performance or tasks.Trainer may evaluate training’s effectiveness long after the training event takesplace.Elements the Two Roles ShareBoth great facilitators and the best trainers…* Help the group achieve specific outcomes through the use ofactive, participatory, participant-centered methods.* Regularly evaluate the process in real time, and can measure how well theparticipants achieved the stated outcomes at the end of the process.* Have made themselves familiar with the organizational culture and context inwhich they are working, and ensure the processes “fit” that culture.* Stimulate dialog and interaction between participants, not just betweenthemselves and the participants.In this article, I’ve tried to scratch the surface of similarities and differences betweenfacilitation and training. I believe passionately in the value of each. Both can help usunderstand ourselves, each other, our work, and the world better. Beyond that, theyplay different roles in the workplace and community.Do you think it’s important to make distinctions between facilitation and training?As usual, I look forward to your input and comments about these issues. Pleasecontact me at [email protected] with your arguments and insights.Author: Guila MuirArticle Source: EzineArticles.comProvided by: Canada duty tariff
© 2011, ©Active Consultants 2011. All rights reserved. Copying in part or in entirety only permitted by written consent
