Facilitator+Information

From //Faculty Learning Community Program Director's Handbook & Facilitator's Handbook//, 7th edition, 06/11, by Milton Cox:

The FLC Facilitator
As a facilitator of faculty learning communities, you are a "local line leader" creating academic change. The following roles are important ones as you engage in this leadership.
 * You are a facilitator of learning. Bring your teaching wisdom and experience with you to t [[image:Leadership_-_Creative_Commons.jpg width="273" height="221" align="right"]]his effort. The faculty in your FLC are students. Use community building as you would in your courses (hopefully you do).
 * You are a political strategist and activist, providing opportunities to facilitate change in the classroom, in departments, and in your institution.
 * You are a communications specialist, listening to issues, challenges, and opportunities from your FLC members and from others and then communicating the issues and opportunities to other faculty and to administrators.
 * You are an entrepreneur, finding and directing human and social capital, sometimes in unexpected ways, discovering talented colleagues, encouraging new teaching procedures, and opening windows of opportunity for change.

2011-12 Meeting location guidelines
Most FLCs will greatly benefit from meeting off-campus, despite the small inconvenience of travel. Gathering in a new environment will take away the "meeting" feel and offer an atmosphere of social camaraderie.

Previous years of FLCs have met at two primary locations: the[| Mandolin Cafe] and [|Joeseppi's Ristorante]. We have established a working relationship with each, but with the expanding number of FLCs at TCC this year, additional location suggestions are very welcome.

In searching for the right spot, keep these factors in mind:
 * it should have a private room you can reserve in advance, that will be large enough to accommodate your group
 * it should have wireless access
 * it should be able to provide a buffet-style meal that you can order in advance
 * be wary of room rental costs. The state board has relaxed rules on these fees somewhat, but still try to avoid rental costs when possible

, as of Jan. 2012

[|Joeseppi's Buffet Menu], as of Jan. 2012

Online Resources for Facilitators
Many of the tools listed elsewhere on this wiki, notably in the Resources page, contain information particularly for FLC facilitators. In addition, here are some general-interest websites about group facilitation.

"The Secrets of Successful Facilitators" [] This page breaks down group facilitation along 6 factors, with guidelines for how to adjust each factor to meet the needs of a particular group at a particular time. Encourages flexibility to adapt to the situation.