BE A FACILITATOR NOT A LECTURER
What does it mean to be a facilitator? It means to assist or aid. You are a facilitator every time you are teaching a provider a new skill or helping them to set a new goal. The following tips will show you how to be an effective facilitator:
ALLOW PROVIDER TO CONTROL HOW SHE LEARNS AND TO SET HER OWN GOALS THAT SHE CAN BE COMFORTABLE WITH.
A provider will learn best if she feels in control of her learning. Providers live with enough responsibility each day - meeting the needs of the children, meeting the expectations of parents, and caring for her business and family. Setting goals that are too high can put added pressure and stress on a provider and be discouraging instead of encouraging. Helping the provider set a goal is a collaborative effort.
AVOID LECTURE STYLE TEACHING
No one like to be told what to do and how to do it, especially if the person does not see a reason to adopt the new learning. You need to help the provider see the practicality of what you are asking her to do, especially when it comes to paperwork. If you simply tell them they have to do things differently, giving no reason, they are likely to become frustrated, resentful, and angry.
Sometimes when given a directive from the state or federal government, the direct practicality of a policy may seem like an unnecessary burden to the provider. If the provider has successfully done things a certain way for many years, it may be hard to come up with an acceptable reason to change. The reason may be as simple as: the provider wants her reimbursement for care for meals served. Learning new policy assures her reimbursement.
Brainstorm with the provider to find out what they identify as important to them will help you to work together with the provider to set steps to reach the goal. Brainstorming whether with one individual or a group stimulates conversation and gives them an opportunity to express their views. Always be respectful. Listen to the provider acknowledge their obstacles and work with them as they reach their goals. This builds an atmosphere of trust.
A facilitator will work with a provider to identify any problems and collaboratively discuss solutions. In this way you are facilitating or assisting the provider to find the solution that is best for her. Allowing the provider the freedom to reflect on what she knows and believes, supports her self-direction and ownership of her learning.