Reading+-+Chapter+8

** Chapter 8 of // The Facilitator's Book of Questions: Tools for Looking Together at Student and Teacher Work //, by David Allen and Tina Blythe **

 * Structure reading response using the //Three Levels of Text Protocol// found in the CFG Coaches Resource Guide **
 * **identify the passage **
 * **share what you think about the passage **
 * **share the implications this has for your work) **


 * Reading Response length = 250 words minimum **

***We encourage each of you to __respond to ONE other course participant's reading reflection__ (at least once in the duration of this course). The nature of CFG work is DIALOGUE...**

To create your POST here on this wiki page: click the EDIT button in the top right corner, then add your post. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME at the top of your post. BE SURE TO press SAVE before leaving the page. Corry- I agree with your thoughts on it being difficult for the facilitator to be a silent member of a protocol when he or she has an invested interest in the topic. And of course, the facilitator usually does! I noticed during our training that other facilitators often did share their thoughts on the topic at hand, and w hen I facilitated during our training, I wanted to participate as well. I believe that if a CFG facilitation in necessary for a group to move forward or there is a 'hot' situation to resolve, then it's best to ask a "neutral" colleague to facilitate.

Corry Day Chapter 8 Discussion 

Scott Hossack's Chapter 8 Discussion

Ning Response: The Facilitator’s Book of Questions Chapter 8: What are the Challenges of Facilitating Protocols

Reading this chapter in the book I relate to many of the issues that can arise when facilitating that the authors mention. It must be the outdoor facilitator in me that has me always looking head and trying to trouble shoot before something happens. I think one of the first things that struck me about this passage is when it is stated that there is no one solution to these problems and that many different variables will effect what the facilitator does to get over roadblocks when facilitating groups.

All of the various problems listed could be issues in the various groups that I plan to facilitate but there are two that I really see as potential roadblocks in our school community. I think that time running out and sticking to the protocol will definitely be areas I will have to be aware of as a facilitator.

With time being such a valuable asset to teachers and it will be very difficult to methodically stick to the protocol plan and thus I think with great care a facilitator needs to look at the process and make it streamlined and efficient. Maybe cutting some of the different phases of a protocol. Closely watching the time and having a timekeeper are all possible helpers to avoid the situation where a group becomes unfocused because of the feeling that their time is being wasted. I also think that as a facilitator you must beware not to overuse protocols in groups that do not need them. This happened at our school when CFG’s were first introduced. We were using them in every meeting. Doing norms, looking at texts and none of the real work that teachers needed to do was getting done. To me this almost killed CFG’s and caused many negative feelings with teachers.

The second thing that I think is a issue that I will have to deal with when facilitating is having participants stick to a protocol. Many teachers know what they want and have the idea that they know how to get there. I know as a participant I just want to give solutions when a dilemma is presented. This is the way we work in schools. We solve problems everyday as quickly and efficiently as possible. This does allow for the process to work and can hinder what the presenter gets.

I think reading the chapter and learning that it okay to adapt the timeline for a protocol really helped me to get a grip on things. I will use them when facilitating in groups especially my learning communities that I already have a relationship with. As for sticking with the protocol I think by clearly laying out the protocol before hand, even giving the protocol and dilemma before hand can help participants really start to see why we are doing it and hopefully stay to process.

Above all I think that the best way to solve any problems that arise in a facilitation will be to be over planned, be flexible and identify signs and react to them quickly so the process can continue and all participants can collaborate to help the learning prosper.

Paul Harris Reading #2 Chapter 8 Reflection

David Cole Reading #2 Ch.8 Reflection