Tips for Facilitators

The CANADIAN SEM SUMMIT works in a unique way that differs greatly from typical conferences. The goal of the summit is to create a forum for dialogue, where participants can have an interchange and discussion of ideas to further promote understanding and action of SEM concepts in Canada.

At the Summit, there are no “presenters” per se; instead, facilitators are asked to frame an issue and then to facilitate a conversation/dialogue to bring forward the differing ways institutions are handling SEM issues at their institutions. In this way, we ensure wide-ranging discussions and many opportunities for take away ideas. It is our way of creating our own form of deep learning.

As a facilitator, your role is to find a way to start the dialogue; to set things up so that the participants have a dialogue themselves on a chosen area concerning SEM in Canada. This type of interaction differs from a pure focus on information dissemination (conference-style presentation) as it requires the facilitator to set the stage for the dialogue which will ultimately allow the participants to address the issue themselves through an exploration of the topic and possible “solutions” or best practices from their own institution. The facilitator’s role is to ensure that participants have enough information and knowledge to carry out their own exploration and dialogue related to the issue being discussed.

As a facilitator, you should spend approximately 10-15 minutes framing the issue or setting the stage on the theme you have been assigned. “Paint a picture” using words/images/examples related to the issue, and highlight a few key concepts/theories as they apply to the issue. The objective at this point is to see nodding heads as a validation of what participants know and may have experienced or be experiencing. Pose thought provoking, open ended questions to encourage the dialogue: this may be intermittent throughout your 10-15 minutes or at the end. Encourage participants to share openly and honestly. We can learn from our mistakes and that there is no shame in hard lessons is a good message to relay. An option is to use the appreciative inquiry approach that asks, “what is working well around here and how do we build on it?”

Using a PowerPoint or handout to start the dialogue is acceptable, but not necessary. If you do choose this approach, we will ask for a copy of the document for the SEM library.