From Leader to Guide: Feedback and Discussion Techniques for Active Learning

Description

Educators who come from a system where the teacher is the primary source of knowledge often find it difficult to shift into a new role that guides students in finding information and facilitates learning processes.

It’s also clear that the old system falls short when it comes to reaching today’s learners. The tension between educators and students may affect the overall quality of learning.

This course is designed to ease the shift of roles for educators.

Participants in the course will learn how to move from being the “sage on the stage” to the “guide on the side”.

The course will cover practical facilitation techniques that make classroom discussions more interactive and feedback more impactful. This kind of approach will create an environment where students feel motivated, seen, and heard.

Participants will actively apply the methods explored in the course through real-life scenarios and classroom-based role-plays that guide the learning of effective facilitation.

Practical experience in designing feedback templates will further support educators in putting their new skills into practice with confidence.

By the end of this course, participants will be ready to transform their teaching style – from delivering content to facilitating deeper learning. They will walk away with the skills to make every discussion engaging, every student feel valued, and every piece of feedback a step toward improvement.

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Develop facilitation techniques for diverse classroom settings;
• Apply strategies to encourage active student participation;
• Create impactful feedback that supports student progress;
• Foster an inclusive and open classroom environment.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Exploring the concept of facilitation: What does it mean in an educational context?;
• Discuss how facilitation differs from traditional teaching.

Day 2 – Communication and classroom dynamics

• Understanding the key skills needed for successful facilitation;
• Exploring ways to encourage participation through communication;
• Discussing how to create an inclusive and interactive environment;
• Sharing personal experiences of leading classroom interactions.

Day 3 – Strategies for sustaining learner engagement

• Exploring strategies to keep learners motivated and involved;
• Discussing challenges in maintaining group dynamics;
• Finding ways to include quieter voices while balancing dominant ones;
• Reflecting on scenarios where maintaining engagement can be challenging.

Day 4 – The role of feedback

• Understanding the role of feedback in facilitation;
• Discuss how to give and receive feedback in a supportive way;
• Exploring methods to create a positive feedback culture within groups;
• Sharing insights on how feedback impacts learning and growth.

Day 5 – Real-life application in teaching contexts

• Exploring real-life applications of facilitation in teaching contexts;
• Discussing how to plan and design sessions with facilitation in mind;
• Sharing practical ideas for integrating facilitation techniques in classrooms;
• Reflecting on future opportunities to apply these skills.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.