Facilitators' Workshop

Sharon Franks of COSEE California demonstrates facilitation for scientists seeking broader impact.

 

 

 

 

Laying the groundwork in a new profession

In response to the emergence of and growing need for ocean science facilitators (those behind-the-scenes whose work involves connecting scientists and educators to further ocean science education), COSEE-NE recently sponsored a Facilitators' Workshop. Developed and convened by Andrea Thorrold, COSEE-NE Program Coordinator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the workshop, held at the National Academy of Sciences in Woods Hole on June12th-13th, 2007, was a unique professional development opportunity for people working in this new profession.

The purpose of the workshop was to:

  • Document the types of facilitative services being provided in New England and by whom;
  • Determine the resources that are available to facilitators and establish a method to share this information as appropriate; and
  • Identify opportunities for collaborative work for facilitators in this region and across the country.

Discussin topics included Strategies for Working with Scientists, Informal Science Education Institution Partnerships, Connecting Scientists with Teachers, and Preparing Graduate Students; hands-on sessions on proposal writing and effective facilitator-scientist interactions were held, and resources and opportunities were shared. On the second day participants explored the use of concept-mapping as a way to trace participants' own path to this career, and identify key settings for engaging potential new facilitators.

 

Workshop outcomes

The workshop documented some common themes and best practices, such as:

  • Engaging researchers in existing programs, rather than creating new opportunities from scratch;
  • Offering professional development to scientists, which has proven to be valuable to scientists and their educator-partners alike;
  • Careful timing of training to avoid conflicts with field research schedules, for example.

 The attendees identified tools that would be useful for facilitators in general, such as:

  • A guidebook of tips for strengthening Broader Impact/Criterion 2 sections in NSF proposals;
  • A guide for facilitators (perhaps a sequel to COSEE’s EPO guide for scientists);
  • A compilation of supports and professional development opportunities for existing facilitators;
  • A "best-of-all-possible-worlds" syllabus for new facilitator training; and
  • Consistent resources for facilitation staffing, to support ongoing assistance to scientists or educators.

The facilitators brainstormed ways to get the word out about the importance of facilitation, such as holding a larger meeting with facilitators from other disciplines; publishing a paper in a scientific journal calling attention to the critical role facilitators play; presenting at conferences; and encouraging NSF to direct institutions to incorporate facilitation in support of Criterion 2, and to sustain it beyond start-up grant funding.

 

For more information

As the conversation between participants evolved, it became apparent that this is not a profession for the faint of heart! Facilitators need to be willing and able to spend a significant amount of start-up time getting their network of relationships built, then stick with it for the long term. And all agreed – be prepared for very little recognition! When asked why they do it, most of the facilitators said it was out of the desire to make a difference, and out of a love for the ocean.

For more information, contact Andrea Thorrold.