Tip #159: Designing Facilitator Guides #3

Last week, we indicated that we have a number of choices to answer the seventh question: 7. What format will be most useful for the facilitator? There are three different formats I have typically used: an annotated table of contents (which we described in Tip #158), an annotated lesson plan, and a scripted facilitator guide.

An annotated lesson plan provides more information and guidance to a facilitator than is possible on an annotated table of contents. While the annotated table of contents provides a snapshot of activities and timeframes, the annotated lesson plan provides more of a narrative of the activities, their purpose, and what is required (in terms of materials and directions) to facilitate the activities.

The key information that the facilitator will need is:

• the over all focus of the session

• the learning objectives

• the key content points (in many cases, these are the section titles or agenda items)

• the duration of the focus on this key content

• the type of learning activities

• when they occur

• how long they should last

• specific materials for the activity

• the goal of the activity

• how to introduce, facilitate and debrief the activities

• specific notes regarding how to facilitate the activity

• the specific handout pages and/or PowerPoint slides to which the activities relate

• break times and durations

There are two different lesson plan formats that I have annotated. The first is in general outline format. The following example is the morning of the first day of a two- day orientation program. You will note that there is more than one facilitator, as well as guest speakers.

• Making the Intermodal Connections

• Outline of FSAT Qualified Specialist Training Program