What Is a Facilitator?

There is confusion within the field of training and development about the terminology used to denote various roles. Here are some distinctions that will be useful in understanding the role of the facilitator:

• Facilitator. From the French word facile, or easy , facilitation is the art and science of assisting learners who are exploring content experientially. Facilitation typically occurs in organizational meetings and training sessions.

• Educator. This is a person who teaches, or disseminates knowledge and understanding to students or pupils. The educator, or teacher, operates in classroom and laboratory settings, leading students from a position of authority and superior knowledge. In training and development terms, many educators play the role of subject matter expert (SME).

• Trainer. This role centres on getting trainees up to speed on competencies. The trainer is able to specify what excellence looks like in the area in which trainees are working. The focus of training includes knowledge concerning specific job tasks, skills and effective practices. Trainers typically operate in training rooms, with groups of trainees.

• Coach. Coaching, spelled out in some detail in Chapter 10, is oneon-one training. It is maximally responsive to the learning readiness of the trainee. Coaching new supervisors involves privately working through real on-the-job situations.

• Consultant. This role involves working with employees, such as new supervisors, in a partnership arrangement. Consultants help...