Effectively facilitating Lesson Study Groups

1. Presented by Marion County Public Schools Staff Development Department Effectively facilitating Lesson Study Groups

2. Facilitation is… According to dictionary.com: –verb (used with object), -tat·ed, -tat·ing. • to make easier or less difficult; help forward (an action, a process, etc.): Careful planning facilitates any kind of work. • to assist the progress of (a person).

3. Facilitation is… • the process of enabling groups to work cooperatively and effectively. • the tool that helps direct and guide discussions, meetings, and decision-making processes. • What allows everyone the chance to be heard, and thus feel like they are part of the team.

4. Facilitation is… • A process, a means of leading a group to a decision. • Helping a group to reach a consensus, create goals, and implement an action plan.

5. Self-Assessment Descriptions

6. Facilitators should… • Know their group members and build relationships. • Start out right • Build rapport • Remain professional

7. Starting Out Right • Do: • Greet the your group, cover housekeeping information, and remind everyone of the teamwork agreements. • Present the agenda and communicate expectations • Establish the meeting outcomes and the steps that will be used to get everyone there.

8. Starting Out Right • Don’t: • Start late • Start with an apology • Start without audience attention • Start without an agenda • Start without communicating expectations

9. Make a Good First Impression • Preparedness – room and materials are ready when participants arrive. • Qualities as a host – making the participants comfortable. • Credibility – knowledge of the lesson study process.

10. Build and Maintain Rapport • Respect the audience; avoid making jokes about participants. • Discuss items that you have in common with participants. • Start on time. • Make eye contact with individuals. • Acknowledge individuals for their involvement and participation. • Be sensitive to participants’ comfort. • Mirror the speech patterns and speaking speed of the audience • Be an active listener and seriously consider any concerns or complaints.

11. Professionalism • Appearance • Materials • Communication • Preparation • Questions and feedback

12. Five Principles of Facilitation Adapted from Who Cares About Facilitation Skills by Guila Muir • Practice “Field Awareness” • Be a Mirror, Not a Magnet • Create Safety • Practice Non-Attachment • Focus on the Outcome

13. Principle 1: Field Awareness “Enhance your awareness of both the tangibles and intangibles that are always present in the group experience. Increase your skills at following the group’s energy. Listen, watch and feel what’s going on. Then make decisions whether to intervene and what skills to use.”

14. Applying Principle 1: • Be prepared, but be flexible at the same time. • Balance fulfillment of the meeting’s objectives with participants’ needs and self-interest. • Set the right tone because participants will follow your lead (i.e. lead by example). • Pay attention. Be attentive to what is happening at all times. • Encourage cooperative behavior in a way that is honest, open, and respectful.

15. Principle 2: Be a Mirror, Not a Magnet “Help the group become conscious of its own process; deflect attention from yourself. Also remember that the participants will most likely reflect back to you the same levels of energy, commitment, and authenticity that you model.”

16. Applying Principle 2: • The facilitator is in control of the process; however, he or she does not ultimately make the final decision on anything. It’s a group effort. • The facilitator is simply responsible for making sure the meetings are inclusive, productive, and effective. • Remain neutral, positive, and patient. • Be adaptable. • Facilitation is not an easy job, but the job is to make it easier for everyone else.

17. Principle 3: Create Safety “Clarity about process can help create safety. Clearly describe what will occur. Explain the outcomes, clarify roles, introduce the processes, help the group develop behavioral ground rules.”

18. Applying Principle 3: • Encourage participants to listen to each other. • Watch for signs that people are withdrawing or feeling defensive. Check for prisoners. • Watch for signs that people are dominating conversation or bullying other members of the group. • Have an agenda, teamwork agreements, and a conflict resolution plan.

19. Principle 4: Practice Non-Attachment “As a neutral facilitator, you may become the target for participants’ emotions. Remember and fulfill your role as a neutral facilitator. Co-facilitate or bow out if your ‘buttons get too pushed.’”

20. Applying Principle 4: • Understand why members might be resistant to change. • Manage confrontation—be fair, be decisive. • Don’t make excuses or apologize for what you’re trying to accomplish. • Stay focused on the intended outcomes. • Don’t take it personally.

21. Principle 5: Focus on the Outcome “Your ultimate role is to help the group achieve its stated outcomes. Strengthen your facilitation skills and be prepared to focus on the outcomes while maintaining full inclusion and participation.”

22. Applying Principle 5: • Lesson study is a journey, but the ultimate goal of lesson study is to examine instruction to incite change. • As a facilitator it is your responsibility to move the group along the journey toward the intended outcome of increasing student achievement by improving instruction. • Stay the course.