You're attending a facilitation training program. How can you ensure you get the most out of it?

2 Do your homework

Once you enroll in a facilitation training program, you should familiarize yourself with the program content, structure, and expectations. Read the syllabus, the learning objectives, and the pre-work assignments. If possible, do some background research on the facilitation topics, methods, and models that will be covered. This will help you prepare your mind, materials, and questions for the training sessions. It will also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or confused by the new information.

3 Engage with the trainer and the group

One of the best ways to learn facilitation is to practice it and observe it in action. During the training sessions, you should engage with the trainer and the group as much as possible. Ask questions, share your insights, and give feedback. Participate in the exercises, activities, and discussions. Volunteer to facilitate a session or a part of it. Observe how the trainer and other participants facilitate, and learn from their strengths and challenges. By engaging with the trainer and the group, you will not only enhance your learning, but also build your network and rapport with other facilitators.

4 Reflect on your learning

After each training session, you should take some time to reflect on your learning. Review your notes, the key takeaways, and the feedback you received. Identify what you learned, what you enjoyed, and what you struggled with. Think about how you can apply what you learned to your own facilitation context and goals. Write down your reflections, or share them with a peer or a mentor. By reflecting on your learning, you will reinforce your understanding, identify your gaps, and plan your next steps.