What techniques do you use to help large groups learn and reflect during and after sessions?

1 Use a variety of methods

One of the challenges of large group facilitation is to keep everyone interested and involved. You can do this by using a variety of methods, such as presentations, discussions, polls, games, breakout rooms, stories, and visuals. These methods can appeal to different learning styles, stimulate different parts of the brain, and create different levels of interaction. You can also mix and match these methods to create a dynamic and flexible flow that responds to the needs and feedback of your group.

2 Provide clear instructions and expectations

Another challenge of large group facilitation is to ensure that everyone understands what they are supposed to do and why they are doing it. You can do this by providing clear instructions and expectations before, during, and after each activity. You can also use tools like agendas, timers, reminders, and checklists to help your group stay on track and focused. You can also ask for confirmation, clarification, and questions from your group to make sure they are following along and not confused or lost.

3 Facilitate reflection and feedback

A key aspect of large group facilitation is to facilitate reflection and feedback among your participants. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, inviting comments and opinions, and acknowledging and summarizing the main points and insights. You can also use techniques like debriefing, evaluation, and action planning to help your group reflect on what they learned, how they felt, and what they will do next. You can also encourage your group to give and receive feedback to each other, to you, and to the organizers or sponsors of the session.

4 Use technology wisely

Technology can be a great ally or a great enemy in large group facilitation. You can use technology wisely by choosing the right platforms, tools, and features that suit your objectives, audience, and budget. You can also test and troubleshoot your technology before and during your session, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. You can also use technology to enhance your communication, collaboration, and engagement with your group, such as using chat, polls, emojis, and audiovisuals.

5 Be flexible and responsive

The final challenge of large group facilitation is to be flexible and responsive to the dynamics and needs of your group. You can do this by being prepared, but not rigid, in your design and delivery. You can also monitor and adjust your pace, tone, and energy according to the mood and feedback of your group. You can also be open to improvising, adapting, and changing your plans if necessary, based on the situation and the opportunities that arise. You can also be supportive, empathetic, and respectful of your group's diversity, opinions, and emotions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?