Mad Facilitation Skillz

Hello Hixsons!

This week, before we were so rudely interrupted by inclement weather, we discussed facilitation and what it means to us.

I found a great definition of a facilitator on Wikipedia.

“One who contributes structure and process to interactions so groups are able to function effectively and make high-quality decisions. A helper and enabler whose goal is to support others as they achieve exceptional performance.”

I think this fully describes what we do here with the Hixson program. As a facilitator in your class you need to be able to pose thoughtful questions and ideas to your students and then let them take over and think it through on their own. They need to be able to contribute to class and come to realizations on their own about their education and goals and what it means to be a college student. You are just the spark to start the conversation, they will be the ones to fuel it.

Outside of class, you need to be there for your students when they think they need your help, not when you think they need your help. Being supportive, caring, and present when your students come to you is of the upmost importance. They might be going through things in their life that you are not able or qualified to help them with. And that’s ok! Being able to provide those referrals to your students is your way of helping them. With our guidance, we can help lead them through difficult times during this important adjustment period.

I’ve found through being a Hixson peer mentor that I thoroughly enjoy being a facilitator and that it is something I would like to continue to do well into my future. Student affairs is something that I love being involved with, and I hope all of you are starting to feel the same way. If you aren’t, I’m sure you will change your mind once you are put with a co-leader and given students. It’s a fun and exciting experience and one that has definitely taught me a lot about myself and about working with other people.

See you all Tuesday for an exciting day of movie making!

:) Chels