1. What did you learn about facilitating at this Institute?

Silence can be powerful. Planning ahead with co-facilitator made everything go smoothly. I learned that I still need to work on knowing when to explain "a little" and when to explain more. Posting directions is necessary.

Continue to learn a lot from other educators passionate about teaching and learning. It was engaging.

Timing is so important i.e. it pays to be flexible. I learned how to better manage negativity. Liked the idea of facilitators having skills. Thanks for all you do!

[I learned] that participants are more open and willing to participate in an atmosphere where agenda items are organized and lighthearted. My group functioned much better on day two when my tone was lighter.

I, too, know very little about a blog & I am a bit intimidated because of my lack of knowledge.

I learned that ___ is a great co-facilitator and making assumptions is wrong! He is great (and not shy). I can adjust my style to meet my co-facilitator's style.

I learned that ____ is a fantastic facilitator. I'm used to presenting--not facilitating, so this is a great learning experience for me.

I work really well with ___--laid back and flexible, made it easy to meet needs of group. I liked working on flexibility--time etc.

I learned that it takes a while for co-facilitators who have not worked together to become a team. It took a couple of activities to grow accustomed to my partner's style.

Like being on the same page with everyone/facilitators. . .

Facilitation was an educational experience. The tools provided were great and the materials are outstanding.

"Fates may we know your pleasure that we must die, this we know tis but the time and drawing out of days that men dream upon" Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

I learned. . . working with different facilitators really enhanced my own learning as a facilitator--witness different ways of responding to situations/people. Debrief is essential to share experiences at that level!

Silence is O.K. I learned to allow participants the time to let their idea emerge. As a second time facilitator, I was more comfortable with the interactive activities. The Learning Community time frame was well used.

Being able to be a part of the planning when we meet early is important to me as a facilitator so I can put my thoughts/ideas together and meet my co-facilitator.

That we must be careful with our body language so that we don't send mixed messages.

I learned people want to share ideas and solicit information on anything that will help to improve students' progress.

2. What next steps would you like HA+C to take to support facilitators?

Offer 'experienced' coach workshops.

Peer observation of facilitation
Clinics, seminars, more facilitating opportunities. Leadership/facilitator practices that enhance learning. CFG for coaches--to review, reflect on practice!!

All the support was wonderful. I assume feedback for upcoming sessions will be available through e-mail.

More training would be great as far as practicing different/new protocols to keep our "bag of tricks" current and polished. We, veterans, love to sharpen the saw:-)

Perhaps advanced training opportunities for facilitation.

More workshops on PLC are needed to keep facilitators informed and up to date.

I would appreciate opportunities to improve my facilitation skills. I would like opportunities to refresh my knowledge of protocols. I would like to work on questioning techniques that would draw more comments out of the group.

Down time with work included?

I feel that I had adequate materials and adequate support. Facilitator training might be helpful for first timers.

As always, I am energized by collaborative work. The participants were willing to work and learn more about engaging in professional learning communities. The institute is very organized and this is a big help when facilitating the LC's.

For me personally: opportunities to continue facilitating, especially with various presenters. I had a great time and learned a lot from my co-facilitator and am looking forward to learning from others. Thank you for asking me to facilitate!

I would be interested in participating in a CFG.

Next Steps--How to "build" PLC's--not what they are in definition.

I would like to be involved in everything you do. It's fantastic. I would like more training on facilitating a tough unwilling crowd (like a resistant team).

Have some workshop/seminars for more experienced people. Often the facilitators are more experienced than the presenters--so it's boring and hard not to "contribute."

Technology support

My ability to function as a facilitator increases tremendously with the influx of much pre-conference festivities that usually occur the night before in a room that is dimly lit, a bar that is full, a piano that is humming, conversation that floats like fog to breathe, and dreams begin before sleep does.
p.s. __________ rocks--force her always to present or facilitate.

Allow more formal planning time for co-presenters to tailor activities (during the orientation). Allow just a little formal time (15 min) for presenters to get to rooms and set up. Send chapters of professional publications, just to share.