Training of Trainers

Farm School's first class is Training of Trainers. My first impression was, "Ok, a pedagogy class, been there done that," but after going through the course I realized that it isn't just a class about teaching. Actually it isn't about teaching in the most common understanding of teaching. Instead the course is more tied to being a community leader or a facilitator.

The theory is that we as facilitators are activating people around us, empowering them with what they already know and seeking knowledge from each other instead of one person. It comes from Popular Education. We also read and discussed group dynamics as well as the spiral model of questioning.

My group's metaphor for the stages of group dynamics

An example of using the spiral model for facilitating a workshop

These theories are good in isolation but when put to the test can be challenging.

After being front loaded with theory we were asked to work in a group of 6 people to develop a hypothetical workshop and deliver it. The planning process was difficult because with that many people it's hard for everyone to get their ideas across succinctly. Not only that but there always is this sense of walking on eggshells as people want to facilitate out of necessity but are reluctant to make others feel silenced. Plus facilitating has its own challenges and expectations on its own.

We'll see how these presentations go.