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TOT 182-WEEK 182
Training through Facilitation
One of the important training techniques more useful in mediation training is “Facilitation”.
As mediation is considered as a facilitative process, and mediators being considered as facilitators, it is important to see to it that , trainees understand the techniques of facilitation.
Including facilitation as part of the training as and when required and possible will be very helpful for the mediators.
Points to be remembered
Facilitator may have to keep the following in mind;-
Taking control of the process in a dignified manner.
Handling the pace and flow of the discussion within the available time .
Objective : (a) Strengthen the content knowledge (b) Equip the trainees to become better facilitators.
How is it done in advanced trainings :-
i)Any topic of interest related to mediation can be chosen.
ii)Chosen number of participants may be asked to express their views.( Each may be given not more than 3 minutes).
iii)Lead trainer has to capture the essence- and write down – the key points.
iv) Consolidate all the key points.
v) Ask one of the participants to summarise the expressed views.
vi) Lead trainer to summarise again for the benefit of all.
Advantages:
Active participation and inclusiveness of trainees is ensured.
Learning becomes lively and interesting.
More views are collected.
Way of encouraging healthy guided discussion is demonstrated.
Essence of the concept is given to the participants.
Introduction:
Lead trainer has to introduce the topic and open discussions .
The following introductions may be considered as examples;-
1.How one cannot expect to be a mediator?
Undergoing training in mediation for forty hours alone cannot help one to be a mediator.
Constant “reflection” on how to bring synergy between theory and practical may help one to a very great extent in this journey.
2.“Need for Apology and Forgiveness in Mediation”
Mediator cannot persuade either party to apologise or forgive. The process effectively managed by the mediator may by itself set an atmosphere for seeking apology and/or forgiving. Party’s right of self determination in this regard shall have to be respected by the mediator. “Need for apology” or “Need for forgiveness” or the “Need for Forgiving” is purely individualistic.
3) Challenges faced by Mediator
“Party is more worried about what the other should not get than what he/she should get through Mediation.”
4)Advising in Mediation
“By advising mediator takes away the autonomy of the party to think and talk for himself as to what is best for him.”
5) Role of mediator
Mediator assists the parties to navigate through the decision making process. Taking decision/s is left to the autonomy of the parties.
6) Essence of each session in mediation
From one session to another there has to be progress in mediation, not just movement.
7)Effective questioning in mediation.
An effective question is one which creates a momentum in the mediation process and moves the party to consider moving beyond the status quo position.
8)Who is responsible for the end result in mediation?
“The process.”
None but the process.
9)What can a mediator do in mediation?
Mediator can talk gently to make them speak sensibly, speak thoughtfully to make them listen patiently, listen attentively to make them understand their own problem clearly , try to understand wholeheartedly what is not expressed in words to help them get their emotions addressed completely .
10) Advising
Advising is easier. Understanding is difficult. Advising without understanding is dangerous.
(Note: The above listed ten topics are part of Linked in daily posts by the author).
“Your role as a facilitator of knowledge exchange with adult learners is to ensure that participants ‘get it’. Anything less means that you have failed to meet their learning needs.”
Robert W. Lucas – Award Winning Author
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 