Interaction is an important component of any training program.
- A separate complete/whole session can be ear marked for interaction.
- Part of the session’s time may be carved out for interaction.
Timing
- At the end of the session.
- At the end of the day’s training.
- Soon after lunch.
Some of the facilitation techniques are used in the Interaction session. The following steps may be followed for better results:
- Identify the topic for discussion and inform the trainees.
Example:
Whether Mediator can give proposals?
Whether re-framing can be done in Joint session?
- Ask each member to contribute his/her opinion with one reason/ point of justification.
- Depending on the availability of time give a minute or two to each.
- Keep a timer and follow the clock strictly.
- List all the ideas on the white board/black board/flip chart.
- Segregation technique: Where two opinions are possible, list down one set of ideas on one part and the other set of opposing ideas on the other part of the flip chart/black board /white board.
Ground Rules to be laid down before commencing the session
- All opinions/view-points/justifications/reasons are to be respectfully received.
- Trainees are free to disagree with each other gracefully.
- Trainees do not interrupt with each other.
- When a trainee gives his/her viewpoint, the others can agree or disagree but cannot enter into conversation/discussion between/amongst themselves.
Consensus technique
Facilitator/Trainer Draws conclusion from the pooled ideas.
Example:
For a, b, c reasons many of you (can mention numbers) strongly feel that a mediator can give proposals.
May I request those who disagree to raise their hands please?
Facilitator can mention the numbers
For l, m, n reasons some of you strongly feel that a mediator cannot give proposals.
May I request those who disagree to raise their hands please?
Facilitator can mention the numbers
Focus only on Facilitation
In some situations, consensus may be reached. In some situations, consensus may not be reached.
Trainer should not drive or force the participants to reach to a conclusion/consensus.
Trainer’s Preparation
- Trainer must have 10-15 topics identified for interaction in the trainer’s kit.
- Trainer has to identify a topic for discussion. Then, trainer can open the discussion with three-four broader questions for consideration which will enable the participants to work within the frame.
Round Robin Technique
- Trainer/facilitator opens the topic. Gives a very short but meaningful opening remarks. Invites the attention of the participants to the goal of the session. Gives them 5 -10 minutes time to think and to identify their opinions/ideas/view-points.
- Trainer/facilitator goes round the table from one trainee to the other and collects “one idea from one person”, and sees to it that all the trainees have shared their ideas.
It is advisable that the trainer goes and stands in front of each of the participants while collecting their inputs, and demonstrates active listening.
This makes every trainee feel that he/she is not ignored and everyone’s view-points are received. - In addition, Trainer must have prepared a list of closed-ended questions to be asked to the participants to navigate the facilitation.
- Should not forget to lay down the ground rules.
Benefits of Interaction Session using the Facilitation Technique
- Helps the trainer to build rapport with the participants.
- Helps the trainer to know the level of comprehension of the trainees.
- Helps the trainer to make the participants inculcate the capacity of giving their view-points in a line or two, within a minute or two.
- Helps the trainer to train the participants to build the capacity of listening.
(All copy rights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 
Precise,Simple & Right on the dot !
LikeLike
Good afternoon ma’am.
Once again wonderfully articulated write up with important guidelines on interective session.Very essential for any training programme and with this manner one can excel his /her skills also.Timings is utmost important factor and Questions are also equally important .I suppose a trainer should ask only those questions on which he has deep knowledge and confident to handle it otherwise it arises awekword situation for him also.
And yes before going through this interaction excercise ground rules should be framed its neccessary.
I like segregation of views on white board and the facilitation factor.
Thank you so much ma’am for writing and sharing this article.I must say ma’am its really great to share your knowledge with us to enhance ours.Being knowledgable is different thing and sharing it with others in this way i mean with such clarity in thoughts and process thats god ‘s gift.It is found very seldom.
Once again thanks ma’am.
LikeLike
Enriching and knowledgeable as always. Interaction….we treat it lightly in routine. Your
Article taught how Interaction can give New dimensions to Training Program. Thank you.
LikeLike
Yes Madam, this is an exceptional forum۔ you are single handedly doing this without looking for any reward. Only to improve us. Hats off to you. Every episode sytamatically arranged. If one have follow the steps, he/she can become a wonderful trainer. So clear the steps are Next while going through the topic you may feel something I can add,but next line will be the clarity to the said doubt. Enrichingand throwing light to all the corners of the subject. Soooo good. In this episode I thought that,I can add that th mee participants have to interact with only the trainer. But even though it is not specifically mentioned,it is conveyed by making it clear that there shall be no interruptions, discussion between the trainees. The stages,oh ! Just follow the directions you home Thanks,we are all happy to have a wonderful person like you to guide us .
LikeLike
Techniques and Benefits of Interaction Session are well conveyed in an effective and understandable way.
thank you, ma’am.
LikeLike
The importance of facilitation – interaction is well defined. The precise and ideal methods is perfectly noted. sometimes the trainer is carried away with the suggestions and interaction… this will help the trainer be aware of the pit falls … the tips of closed ended questions is really icing on the cake!
LikeLike
Facilitation as a training tool needs a lot of planning. There is always the urge for the trainer to bring the trainees around to his/her point of view. Sushila ji has very precisely explained how this technique can be used very effectively without falling into the trap. Kudos.
LikeLike
Its again an enlightenment as to how the interaction session ought to be handled.
Simple explanation but worth a million for a potential trainer ma’am.
Tnx for sharing ur knowledge ma’am.
Warm regards. 🙏🏻
LikeLike
This is an excellent training technique and has many benefits. Most of all enlisting the participation of trainees and getting them to put on their thinking cap and understand the concept better. Another benefit would be retention of the subject in their memories. Something which they will remember always in their role as mediators. Much needed since we are training adults and this method is especially good for adult learners.
LikeLike