Recently, I've noticed that some corporations call their trainers "facilitators." I can only assume this is meant to be shorthand for "facilitator of learning." However, is "facilitator" really an appropriate term when the "facilitator" uses only lecture and Power Point? Are facilitating a strategic planning session and teaching someone how to do that really the same thing?
Even the roots of the two words interplay. "Educe," the root of "educate," literally means "to bring out." That is what the best trainers do…but isn't it also what facilitators do? The root of "facilitate," of course, is "facile," or to make a process "easy." The best trainers seem to make learning easy, don't they?
It's no wonder confusion exists. The greatest trainers and facilitators do share many characteristics and behaviors. However, I believe the role of trainer and facilitator are ineluctably different and that it's important to distinguish between them. This will not only help reduce confusion about the terms, but (more importantly, to me-) ensure they retain real meaning.
Let's Talk Terms
Even though the term "training" is broadly accepted for the field of adult education, some in our field argue that "training" itself is an unacceptable word. They argue that the word conjures up "dog training" or other potentially de-humanizing acts.
Others in the field of adult education differentiate between terms training, instruction and education, but conclude that all are necessary to help people learn. (Stolovitch and Keeps, 2002.) Most adult educators use "train" as an umbrella term for what they do.
One strong underlying similarity between facilitation and excellent training is that both are rooted in dialogue. Often, dialogue is believed (incorrectly) to mean "two-sided." However, it derives from two Greek words, "dia," meaning "through," (as in the word "diaphanous") and "logos," meaning "word," or "meaning." Dialogue involves words flowing between people as they make meaning together. This concept is core to both adult learning and collaborative problem-solving.
4 Major Differences Between Facilitator and Trainer Roles
| Great Facilitator | Great Adult Educator (Trainer) |
| Is not necessarily a content expert. | Is a content expert. |
| Is an expert in many forms of group process (including inter-and-intra-group conflict resolution, strategic planning, team building, etc.) | Is not necessarily expert in many forms of group process. Instead, continually develops new methods to help participants achieve specific learning outcomes. |
|
Often helps the group to define and verbalize its own outcomes (e.g. to solve a specific problem or develop a new procedure.) When outcomes are externally prescribed, helps the group develop, implement and "own" action steps to achieve the outcomes. |
Most often in corporate, organizational or higher education settings,
the trainer does not help each learner group establish its own learning
outcomes. (That's a whole other approach, called Popular Education.)
However, the trainer may be involved in implementing and/or analyzing the results of training needs assessments. These should include input from representative (potential) participants as well as other stakeholders. |
| Sees facilitation as a process to help achieve specific "bits" of broad organizational goals. | Often focuses on training's impact on actual, discrete job performance or tasks. Trainer may evaluate training's effectiveness long after the training event takes place. |
Elements the Two Roles Share
Both great facilitators and the best trainers...
In this article, I've tried to scratch the surface of similarities and differences between facilitation and training. I believe passionately in the value of each. Both can help us understand ourselves, each other, our work, and the world better. Beyond that, they play different roles in the workplace and community.
Do you think it's important to make distinctions between facilitation and training? As usual, I look forward to your input and comments about these issues. Please contact me at guila@guilamuir.com with your arguments and insights!
Guila Muir and Associates is the premiere Train-the-Trainer firm on the West Coast. Using participatory adult education since 1981, Guila Muir & Associates has developed the skills of hundreds of trainers and facilitators in business and government. Enhance your organization's ability to transmit information the way adults learn best-actively! Visit our web site at guilamuir.com, write us at connect@guilamuir.com or call us at (206) 725-1994.
Article Copyright 2003 Guila Muir and Associates