During our Train the Trainer Program (TTP), many of them raise this question “Is there a difference between Teacher and a Facilitator”? I thought let me share what I have been learning since 10 years about facilitation
Teachers, with their knowledge and expertise in a particular field impart that knowledge through to their students in many different ways. On the other hand, Facilitators build on the knowledge base of the students to find the answers to their questions. Facilitators’ role is to help students become Independent learners, and increased participation of students in the learning process.
- Is it important for Teachers to become Facilitators?
Of course, yes in today’s context and with the change of teaching methods expected to happen with the introduction of NEP, it is critical for Teachers to expand their roles to “Facilitators”.
- What is the #1 Secret of a Great Facilitator
As you may already know, Self Command tops the list.
The gifted Facilitator is always in complete control of her emotions and creates a great learning atmosphere. She ensures that the entire group feels supported and does not become personally defensive. This, in fact, makes everyone in the group comfortable to participate.
Varada Murthy | Leadership Coach | https://www.pfla.in/iLed | www.pfla.in
I have recently made the switch to a facilitator and I’m still learning how to get better at it. Sometimes I find that students also need time to get used to this as they are so used to being spoon fed in a one-way classroom. Good article, looking forward to more insights on how to make the transition from teacher to facilitator. Thank you
Thank you Anila. Great to learn that you have made a switch from Teacher to a Facilitator. Way to go.
Keep learning and become a great Facilitator.
Our mission is to help Teachers become great Facilitators. We have a dedicated program for that.
iLed. – Integrated Leadership in Education where the focus is on “Facilitation and Leadership”.
You may take a look at it at https://www.pfla.in/iLed
Very well explained👍🏻👌🏻
A facilitator of learning, therefore, is a teacher who does not operate under the traditional concept of teaching, but rather is meant to guide and assist students in learning for themselves – picking apart ideas, forming their own thoughts about them, and owning material through self-exploration and dialogue.
A teacher passes on her knowledge to children in a formal way but what we need is a Facilitator who rise an interest, curiosity,pushes a student towards path of learning by themselves,ofcourse by guidance from a teacher/facilitator.
Look forward to more insights Mr Murthy.
Thank you Saroj Madam.
I believe that we need teachers as much as a facilitator. Fir skill based learning such as performing art( music, dance) , fashion, transport, in-house facilities such as plumbing, carpentry, electricals we need teacher as these are set skills and knowledge base is extremely crucial for the foundation to set right. But for academic which is meant to be child centric and fluid in nature so that each individual takes their destined course , we need a facilitator.
Our age old method of gurukul system was also more on facilitation as the ‘guru’ would throw out questions / situations to ‘shishyas’ and would conclude his perspective at the end of discussion / trails of each and every student. The relation between a teacher and student, if I were to quote today’s example should not be to that of google search engine alone. Learning should be imparted with social responsibility and emotional response for true aquisition of knowledge to happen
Thank you Sharmila Jois for your share here. It’s a great perspective. Yes, you are absolutely right. Our Gurukul system was certainly one of the best methods. It was practical, testing and not only imparting knowledge, developing skills but also the belief system, culture and discipline.
Interesting topic and concisely written. Subject matter experts are critical to instill a sense of confidence in the students. While expertise plays a crucial role in education, facilitation cannot be overlooked. In today’s scenario a teacher needs to be an excellent facilitator to bring out the best in students. There is always a scope for improvement, newer approaches, concepts, perspectives etc. It is very important for today’s educators to ensure that there is an ongoing open dialogue with students. To summarise one’s facilitation skills will be most sought after one as our education industry have been disrupted post the pandemic.
Thank you Roshni P Kumar.
Could not agree more. You are absolutely right.
Teacher become facilitator is good for chid development because facilitator provide facilities for their learning independenly to each child
Thank you Namita. You are right.