WLD Guide to Facilitating_UMass Amherst 1 | Page 9

9

Small group tasks, games and breaks also help participants feel more comfortable
with each other.
Vary group sizes. Many people find it easier to express themselves in a pair or small
group, and don’t like to join full group discussions. However, there are also people
who feel more exposed and put on the spot in a smaller group, and prefer more
impersonal bigger groups.
Be aware of how confident participants are with the subject. Some participants might
be totally new to your subject, so be careful with making presumptions about their
previous knowledge. For example, someone who feels insecure about their practical
skills might very quickly give up on a ‘fix your own bike’ workshop if you assume that
they already know how to use the tools, and skip this basic information. Similarly
someone who is not into formal education might switch off very quickly if you use
academic language. Avoid or explain technical terms, and be ready to explain things
you think are basic.
Check your cultural assumptions. When you use examples and cultural references,
speak to the real life experiences of all your participants, otherwise people will feel
excluded and disengage from the workshop. Do you assume that everyone will pick
up on references to your favorite TV show, that a ‘couple’ means a man and a
woman? Think before you speak, and step in if some of the participants talk or act in
ways which might alienate others.
Make sure activities are accessible. Think about how people with access needs, (e.g.
wheelchair users or people with hearing impairments) will be able to join in your
activities. WLD asks
registrants in the online
registration form if they
require any
accommodations.