Facilitation requires a blend of skills, tools, and techniques to effectively guide groups toward their goals. Continuous improvement is key, whether you’re leading workshops, meetings, or collaborative sessions.
Considering that facilitation is both an art and a science, we’ll explore ways to hone your skills. In my role, I always enjoy learning new approaches, skills, or tools that I can add to my work. Something as small as a five-minute activity can help change or improve your approach! If you’re looking for fun options to apply this fall, here are some ICL team recommendations!
Miro
- What it is: An online collaborative whiteboard platform and ICL’s chosen alternative to Jamboard (which we will all mourn when it winds down starting October 1st).
- Why it’s useful: Miro allows facilitators to create visual boards where participants can collaborate in real time. Whether you’re brainstorming, mapping out ideas, or organizing thoughts, Miro helps you keep everyone on the same page, literally.
- How to use it: Use it for remote workshops, idea mapping, and collaborative planning sessions. The tool also offers templates designed for specific facilitation activities, making it easy to get started.
- Cost: Free with limited functionality. Paid versions start at $8/month.
Kahoot
- What it is: A game-based learning platform
- Why it’s useful: Kahoot adds a playful element to workshops and meetings through quizzes and games. It’s an excellent tool for energizing participants, reinforcing key concepts, and fostering a sense of competition and fun.
- How to use it: Create a Kahoot quiz to review material, conduct icebreakers, or inject some energy into longer sessions. The competitive aspect can motivate participants to stay engaged and attentive. You can also embed slides right into your Kahoot presentation.
- Cost: Free if limited to 10 players. Paid versions are available for more users and modes.
SessionLab’s Facilitation Library
- What it is: A library of facilitation techniques and activities
- Why it’s useful: Sometimes when you’re stuck on an approach, a library of options can help jumpstart the brainstorming process. The library offers opening and closing activities, fun games, and creative approaches so that you can augment them for your own use.
- How to use it: The online library can be filtered by category, group size, and time, making it simple to find the perfect activity for your needs. The platform also allows you to design your sessions, ensuring a well-structured and dynamic workshop. A free registration gets you access to the library and up to three session plans that you can export to PDF when needed.
- Cost: Resource Library access is free with signup. Using SessionLab as a tool is free for up to three session plans. Paid versions that allow for more session plans are available starting at $9/month.
Hyper Island Toolbox
- What it is: A library of facilitation activities and methods (similar to SessionLab)
- Why it’s useful: These creative exercises and methods are designed to boost group collaboration and innovation. It includes activities for team building, problem-solving, and fostering creativity. Each method comes with a clear set of instructions, making it easy to integrate into your sessions.
- How to use it: Filter the online library by category, time frame, or group size for the type of activity you’d like to explore, then use the framework provided as a building block for your sessions. You will have to copy/paste the content (don’t forget to include a reference when doing so).
- Cost: Free access with registration
These resources provide valuable tools and techniques that can elevate your leadership skills. Whether you’re a seasoned facilitator or just starting, incorporating these resources into your sessions can help you create more engaging, productive, and collaborative environments. As always, if you’re looking for additional tips and approaches, the ICL Collaboration Resource Hub is a great place to look. Happy leading and facilitating!