Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Moderation of collaborative learning

The facilitator plays a key role as a moderator of the interactive process of collaborative learning. The Facilitator starts the discussion by introducing the topic of the day and oversees its positive development by asking pertinent questions. If the Facilitator is not the main moderator, he/she still participate in the discussion, actively cooperating with the moderator and supporting the circulation of energy and interaction among the participants.

As moderator, the Facilitator ensures that the central topic of the discussion does not get lost and that the group focuses on it, stimulating the analysis of the several aspects linked to the theme of the discussion (e.g. environmental, technical, social and economic factors). For this purpose, the moderator ensures that every participant can speak and contribute to the discussion, offering his/her point of view, experience, cultural background, and knowledge.

The Facilitator has to make certain that the various stakeholders treat each other with respect while interacting and that the basic rules for a discussion are followed, i.e. people speak in turn and not at the same time, people speak for a limited time avoiding a participant monopolizing the discussion.

In other words, the Facilitator ensures that a favourable group climate is maintained for the discussion. As a moderator, it is important that the meeting starts and finishes on time.

He/she should also ensure that everyone in the group can follow the discussion and understands the contents, inviting the participants to use a simple language, or asking questions to better define unclear concepts and ideas.

Source Project
EURAKNOS
Ongoing | 2019-2021
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Belgium
Project details

Project Keywords