Blog Post #3

During my past few sessions, I've definitely noticed that facilitating a conversation is very different from planning one in advance. I tend to prepare a few discussion questions for each session, but most of the work happens during the chat. I think it's really important as a facilitator to actively listen while each participant is speaking. That way, you can look for good opportunities for follow-up questions, and mentally note potential ideas for future discussion questions. Often, we won't get to some of my prepared questions because the discussion will keep going in new and different paths. 

While I have definitely gotten to know my participants better, I still feel that attendance has had some of a negative impact on group dynamics. So far, while I've had decent attendance, no single member has made it to every session. Still, I have been trying to create positive group dynamics through activities and ice-breakers that can help them get to know each other better while practicing English. In the future, I hope to incorporate less get-to-know-you activities, and more meaningful conversations and discussion topics. 

One difficulty I've had during sessions has been transitioning between different activities. I feel that, because my group is generally quiet, I have to plan each session more carefully. However, I fear that this makes our time seem more like a class. I hope to better be able to incorporate and introduce different discussion activities without seeming too much like a teacher!