There are many ways to facilitate your workshop with groups. No one method or approach is perfect. Use the methods listed below but adapt them to meet the needs of your group and the topic. When choosing activities and methods, make sure you choose a variety so that the sessions are interesting and keep the participants involved.

Discussions

A discussion is an exchange of ideas and opinions. Discussions are one of the best ways for adults to learn. They let participants express their opinions and hear other points of view. When using the discussion format:

• Explain the topic that is going to be discussed and make sure everyone understands
• Get the discussion going by asking questions about the topic
• Use real life examples to get the discussion going
• Give people a chance to think and respond before you jump in and start talking
• If people are shy to talk in the larger group, break into small groups for the discussions
• Try to get everyone involved in the discussion. Do not force anyone to speak
• Summarize the main points

Problem Solving

Problem solving is a practical activity that parents can do in the group and share and work together. Problem solving activities make it easier to understand and solve a problem by breaking it down into simple questions. Use a flipchart to record questions and answers to help with solving the problem.

• What is happening here?
• Why is it happening?
• What can I do?
• What if this doesn't work?

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a way of coming up with lots of ideas and suggestions. The ideas and suggestions can be used in a discussion or they can be used to solve a problem.