From an INASP Training-of-Trainers Workshop

Greetings again. I hope you’re doing well.

Earlier this month I spent several days in Oxford, UK, where INASP is based. I was there mainly to attend an INASP training-of-trainers workshop. 

The workshop brought together people from several countries who facilitate workshops for INASP. Some of us work with AuthorAID. Others work with other INASP projects.

The workshop leaders emphasized our further developing a learner-centered approach to training, in which learners engage actively with content. Thus, the leaders introduced—and had us experience—various group facilitation techniques.

Here are examples of the techniques:

• pyramid discussion: Progressively larger groups discuss an item. For example, pairs of learners discuss the item. Then pairs of pairs discuss their points with each other, and so forth. Perhaps finally some members present points to the whole group.

• participatory PowerPoint: In a brainstorming session or other discussion, one member writes various members’ ideas on a PowerPoint slide being projected for all to see.

• conver-stations: Small groups at different tables or at different flip charts write down ideas about their assigned topics. Then some members move to other tables or flip charts, read the ideas, and write down more ideas.

The workshop also addressed other subjects. One subject was theories of learning. Some other subjects were emotional aspects of learning, managing nervousness about conducting training, and giving and receiving feedback.

I enjoyed the workshop, and I look forward to applying what I learned to my AuthorAID workshop facilitation. (I’ve now used some of it in my university teaching.) I also appreciated getting to know more of the other INASP trainers. Thank you to our trainers of trainers!

Until the next post—

Barbara