groupgroupLast 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.
