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Course Title: Group Facilitation Methods
(2 Day - In person Course 9.30-5.30pm each day)
Only 3 Places Left!
Early Bird Offer - 10% Discount - Use code earlybird at checkout!
Course Overview
Group Facilitation Methods are part of the ICA’s Technology of Participation (ToP)® Methods. The methods are applicable in any setting where groups need to develop a shared awareness and make collective decisions or plans. ToP Methods allow for participatory and transformative group journeys.
This popular course teaches versatile, powerful techniques for structuring effective group conversations and finding group consensus. Foundational to all of ICAs Technology of Participation courses, it provides a structured introduction to two powerful ToP methods: the Focused Conversation and the Consensus Workshop.
Designed for those who want to use facilitation skills confidently and effectively, this course suits all levels of experience including team managers, community and voluntary support workers, independent facilitators, community activists and group leaders of any kind.
By the end of the course, participants will:
* be able to identify when and how to use the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop methods
* have gained confidence in the use of these methods
* have recognised and explored elements of participation, creativity, teamwork and action
* have built links with others to promote future collaboration and support in the use of the methods.
The course presents the two methods in a practical and participatory way. Each method is first demonstrated, then analysed and discussed, and then practised in supportive small groups with guided reflection & feedback. Finally, participants plan how they will apply each method in their own situations.
Participants will develop their skills, share experiences and gain an in-depth understanding of the principles behind the methods.
Certification:
Participants who complete this course are eligible for ICA UK Certification.
Course Breakdown
Day 1: Focused Conversation Method:
The Focused Conversation Method is a structured facilitation method to help groups think, talk and work together towards shared awareness.
The Focused Conversation Method provides a structure for effective communication which ensures that everyone in a group has the opportunity to participate. This leads to the group achieving a shared awareness of both the topic and the different perspectives of the group.
Day 2: Consensus Workshop Method:
The Consensus Workshop Method helps to facilitate and build consensus and uses the Focused Conversation in a specialised way in order to help a group reach consensus on a question, scenario or problem. It is a five-stage process that enables a facilitator to draw out and weave together everybody’s wisdom into a clear and practical consensus.
What past participants had to say about Miriam's Courses
I can't recommend Miriam or the Group Facilitation Methods programme highly enough! This was the most energising training programme I have ever attended (and I don't say that lightly). No PPT! No staring at a screen! No silences in the room! Only cooperation, collaboration and plenty of communication. I can't wait to collate all my resources and learning and apply it to my own practice. Thank you Miriam and peers for such an invigorating experience. I am still buzzing!
“Really enjoyed the course, the pace, the facilitation and the method”.
“Great course and extremely well presented and delivered, kept informed throughout, very helpful and excellent communication”.
“The course exceeded my expectations and I have recommended it to others at work”.
“I haven’t felt as excited about a new approach …Miriam’s infectious enthusiasm gave me butterflies.
She delivered the course in a warm approachable and knowledgeable way and really did pack a lot in”.
“I have already tried out a focused conversation for my work and it really worked well: boosted my confidence, gave structure, fostered participation, helped me to facilitate a positive & productive first community of practice session”.
“Miriam is such an experienced, wonderful facilitator--just watching her facilitate the session is a lesson in itself”.
“I really enjoyed this course and the participatory nature of it”.
“Every staff member who deals with people should do this”.
If you would prefer to be invoiced and pay at a later date, please email miriamodonoghue@gmail.com.