Collaborative culture
The Citizen Facilitator Can Keep a Small Group Moving Toward a Goal
By Robert J. Garmston
June 2007
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Tasks of The Citizen Facilitator
- Develops the agenda either before the meeting or with the group.
- Opens the meeting.
- Achieves role clarification for self and for members who may periodically and informally rise to facilitate or record.
- Describes the task as a product — something the group will see or hear when done.
- Calls on others to start the conversation.
- Engages in conversation as appropriate.
- Protects processes, especially one topic and one process at a time.
- Watches for and initiates transitions.
- Asks who will do what by when.
- Calls for meeting assessment.
- Closes Meeting.
References
Garmston, R. & Wellman, B. (1999). The adaptive school: A sourcebook for developing collaborative groups. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon.
Robert J. Garmston ([email protected]) is an emeritus professor of education administration at California State University, Sacramento, and co-developer of Cognitive Coaching and Adaptive Schools.
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