OK. Your name has been put in the hat again.  Suddenly you're the new LearnScope facilitator for this year's team. And you're feeling a bit nervous...

Have no fear because the previous South Australian Project Managers and Facilitators got together to summarise what it takes to facilitate a LearnScope work based learning project team. Here's what they said:

• Understand clearly that your role is to ASSIST the team with the learning - it is NOT about LEADING them.
• Make sure that you understand that REFLECTION is just as important as DOING - encourage your participants to talk about the learning as well as the actual task.
• It is great to see people grow as they learn!
• Realise that the job is not as easy as you might imagine - plan carefully and work closely with your Project Manager.
• Flexibility is crucial!
• Good communication is of the utmost importance - the information flow should be frequent and understandable
• Make sure you stay in touch with other Facilitators so you can support each other.
• If possible, plan to have a co-facilitator
• Respect the learner's differences - understand that your participants have different learning styles, and try to accommodate this in your planning.
• Meet face-to-face with the team as often as you can.
• Keep in mind that you need to let go of the responsibility of the others' learning - THEY are in charge of their learning…you are only there to help.
• Realise that sometimes you need to 'back off' and let the team go where they want to.
• It is important to develop strong networks - always keep a lookout for links and possible collaborative opportunities.
• Keep  your own expectations in perspective - don't push the team just so you can 'tick all the boxes'.
• Realise that enthusiasm waxes and wanes - have strategies to offset this natural trend.
• Be an active team member yourself - you too can be a participant.
• Try to open the eyes of your team to new visions and 'doorways'.
• Be an effective leader - organisational skills are essential
• Plan for FUN!  Realise that people learn better when they are enjoying themselves!

Things you need to tell your team about their roles as team participants...

• You won't just 'find' the time!  It is absolutely essential that you manage your time for both the learning and the task.
  
• Integrating the project tasks into your workplace will ensure that it will become more relevant.
  
• Have realistic goals as to what you need to learn - you can't do it all at once!
  
• It is great to work as a team and for the thrill of one's own personal learning
  
• Look for networking and mentoring opportunities
  
• Work within the team, but be responsible for your OWN learning  -don't let other participant's lack of contributions frustrate you.
  
• Enjoy the free lunches!
  
• Understand that it might seem fragmented to begin with, but somehow most projects seem to come together in the end.
  
• Contribute to the ongoing processes within the team.
  
• Make a genuine commitment - then stick with it.