A cue sheet for the facilitator

Introductions

• Introduce yourself and explain that you are a facilitator rather than a teacher and interested in the topic rather than an expert.
• Ask the participants to introduce themselves and explain ' their interest in the topic.
• In subsequent meetings at least 90 around the circle to give names.
• Folded name cards in front of everybody may be helpful.

Ground rules

• Typical ground rules are:
  • Everyone is encouraged to participate.
  • Allow everyone to be heard
  • All views will be respected.
  • Disagreements will not be personalized.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained.
• Ask for consent and possible additions to the list on the flip chart.
• Be more elaborate in your first meeting but even in subsequent meetings you can post the list and provide a brief reminder by saying, "My role is to keep discussion focussed and moving along. Your role is to share your knowledge and ideas and to listen carefully to the others."

Identify the goals

• Make sure you all know why you are there.
• Ask for a list of questions the participants want answered.
• Lay out a range of views. Ask the participants to volunteer what they see as the main view on the issue based on the reading material and their knowledge of the issue.
• Keep these lists and post them each meeting for reference.
• Review the agenda or study plan and adjust it to suit the group.

Personal connection or interest in the issue

• Ask participants to talk about why this issue is important to them.
• Telling their story is a good ice-breaker at the first session.
• Anyone may pass.

Discussion and deliberation

• This is where you practise those facilitation skills.
• Have questions prepared to help you in any possible situation.
• Remain neutral.
• Guide the discussion without controlling it.

Summary and common ground

• Ask the participants to summarize the discussion from time to time.
• Use their words and phrases, not your own.
• Look for common concerns in different approaches.
• Check your lists of goals and questions

Closing

• With about 20 minutes left, let the group know that the discussion is about to end.
• You might ask each participant for a closing comment.
• Ask participants to summarize what has been covered.
• Establish direction for the next session.
• Ask for comments on the group process.
• What did they like or not like about the discussion?
• Thank everyone for their participation.
• Acknowledge that it has been hard work.
• On your last session, ask for suggestions on further involvement or action on the issue.
• On your last session, gather evaluation forms that have been worked on throughout the study circle.
• Ending with a pertinent quotation is an effective closing.