Small Group Facilitation Skills 1.5 Day Course - Plymouth (SGFS25-002)

Format – Blended

Day 1- Half day online 09:00-13:00: Focused on provision of the core knowledge, evidence and some tips on managing a group of learners and presentation skills

Day 2 - Full day in person 09:00-16:30: A regional supportive educational experience with a mix of groups to put theory and learning into practice with a chance to facilitate, present and learn with colleagues with more feedback and tips on developing educational skills.

NB: The full Day 2 can only be attended if half day online Day 1 has been completed.

This is a facilitation skills course for those new or relatively new to small group facilitation in the primary care/community care and secondary care context.

It will help delegates learn a bit about adult education theory in groups, presentation skills, ways to facilitate groups and what things work.

It aims to provide delegates with some knowledge, skills and tips that make small group facilitation look easy despite the problems that inevitably surface from time to time.

Though there will be some theory highlighted it is not designed to help you to write a good academic essay but to be able to practically manage a small group in an effective way.

There will be pre-course suggestions and preparation information to follow.

Mandatory: Educational/Clinical Supervisor Primary Care , or Educational/Clinical Supervisor Secondary Care, or SAS Doctor

1. To enable clinicians to have learnt a foundation and basis for facilitating online and face to face small groups moving forwards.
2. To increase the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes of educators in group facilitation.
3. To develop skills in facilitating small groups in an experiential manner.
4. To enhance the ability of educators to plan and deliver structured educational sessions.
5. To improve the facilitation and management of larger groups.

1. To understand the value of small groups (and size of small groups).
2. To understand the principles of adult small group education theory (methods for learning for adults and in groups).
3. To be able to identify some behaviours in a small group setting that disrupt and enhance group performance and the reasons potentially behind this.
4. To be aware and have strategies for managing unconscious bias and potential discrimination
5. To be able to use online learning techniques to encourage learners' engagement.
6. To be aware of a variety of ice breakers/energisers and when they may be useful (or less useful) online and face to face.
7. To develop skills in facilitating and presenting in small groups environments, including to break up a small group to change dynamics and facilitate learning, presentation skills and ways to manage larger groups.
8. (Time permitting) To practice and develop skills in delivering educational sessions as well as recognising “in action” characteristics of a successful small group educational session.