HOW WE WORK
Our work is underpinned by principles of equality, empowerment, self-directed learning, and peer development that we, AoF, are committed to. Read more about our methods and guidelines below:
Fundamental Working Methods
We are committed to the following…
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Experiential Learning
Autonomous self-discovery through structured and unstructured experience, in which emphasis is placed on each individual’s innate ability to learn from their own thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and intuitions. Time is set aside for reflecting on the process and drawing out meaning and significance.
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Reflective Practice
A spirit of enquiry is established and each participant is encouraged to consider the depth and breadth of their role and impact as facilitator. Critical reflection generates a dialogue between theory and practice and promotes the application of learning into the workplace and beyond.
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Working With The Process Of The Group
Recognising that a group is more than the sum of its parts we examine the various formations, dynamics, and patterns of groups we co-create. This includes working with individual and group needs as they arise, here-and-now encounters, and learning from group dynamics and defence mechanisms.
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Skills Training And Practice
We provide ample opportunity for participants to refine and rehearse their skills. This includes demonstration, modelling, observation, micro-skills practice, facilitation, co-facilitation, giving and receiving feedback.
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Theoretical Study
A range of underpinning theory is presented through reading lists, live presentation and printed material. Time is given to the discussion and review of relevant theory and models, and their application to your self-discovery. Course assessment includes the practical application of theory.
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Self And Peer Feedback and Assessment
Feedback from peers is a critical part of learning – both giving and receiving within the structure that we provide. Criteria are agreed for assessment relevant to the learning goals of the course and your own development. The FACETS® framework provides a guide to competency which participants may complement with their own criteria. A procedure for self and peer assessment is determined and applied.
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Accreditation
Self and Peer Assessment and Accreditation is a particular strength of the Association of Facilitators and is designed to foster self-regulation and professional practice. It has two aspects. First the granting of a certificate, conditional on completing the required modules and fulfilling the programme contract. And second, accreditation of competence against FACETS® and any additional personal criteria. A written statement of individual accreditation will accompany each certificate gained.
Guidelines for Facilitative enquiry
We offer the following guidelines for engagement with us and your peer learning group…
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Explore and question everything that happens:
Stay curious and skeptical, engage in ongoing exploration of everything that arises, and remain curious to the effects of social events upon the behavior of yourself and others.
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Experiment and play with being different:
Risk opening up to others and reducing your guard; experiment with being non-judgmental and tolerant of others; explore new ways of expressing and being you.
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Respect yourself and others:
Do not leak confidential material beyond the group or share information about others without their consent; take responsibility for sharing or holding onto your own secrets.
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Act on your beliefs:
Choose for yourself when to opt out of activities which feel wrong for you at the time; do not collude in situations that you experience as unhealthy for you.
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Clarify the intention behind your interventions:
Make it clear if you are attempting to support, intending to challenge, or just seeking clarification from another.
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Take a holistic perspective
A holistic, relational, systems view of individuals and groups is more appropriate for the consideration of groups, change, growth, and development than the prevailing mechanistic, analytical, or reductionist worldview. Experiment with working in a counter-cultural way.