Making Group Work Easy The Art of Successful Facilitation

by Schiola, Steven A.

• ISBN13: 9781607097754
• ISBN10: 1607097753
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-11-16
• Publisher: R&L Education

Summary

This book teaches a process that will help both teachers and administrators plan for and conduct meetings that are meaningful, useful, and that generate results. The place to start this work is before the meeting even begins. A careful look at the purposes of the meeting, the working agreements that the group will use, and the agenda will provide the framework for a successful outcome. Once learned, this structure can be used again and again. In addition, you will learn what to do in those cases when decorum breaks down, or you can't reach consensus, or a member of the group is not cooperating. You will also learn decision-making techniques that allow meaningful participation by all members of the group and how to prioritize a number of efforts. The effective structure of meetings along with other techniques to employ when things go wrong will make anyone an effective meeting facilitator!

Author Biography

Steven A. Schiola worked for thirty years as an elementary teacher, elementary principal, and staff development coordinator in Colorado schools. He recently retired from public education and founded Open Road Consulting LLC. Learn more at www.openroadllc.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Introduction	p. 1
The Role of the Facilitator	p. 5
Getting to the Nut! How to Clearly Understand the Problem	p. 11
Ensuring the Right People Are in the Room	p. 17
Finding the Purpose of the Organization and the Meeting	p. 23
The Power of Using Working Agreements	p. 31
Effective Decision-Making Strategies	p. 39
Making Sure That Every Voice Is Heard	p. 49
Putting It All Together	p. 65
Evaluation and Accountability	p. 79
Looking For and Celebrating Success	p. 89
Now That You've Finished the Process, It Is Time to Start Over	p. 95
What Do You Do If...? Strategies to Deal with Group Issues	p. 103
Resources for Facilitators	p. 117
Materials for Successful Facilitation	p. 123
About The Author	p. 129
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