Journal article
Facilitate First Thyself: The Person-Centered Dimension of Facilitator Education
Journal of Experiential Education, Vol.31(2), pp.168-188
2008
Abstract
This paper discusses the role of the person-centered dimension of facilitator education, which emphasises the attitudes, personal qualities, and/or presence of a facilitator. An overview of person-centered facilitator education, as described in the literature, is provided to enable the interpretation of the findings of a study that explored the theories and practices of facilitator educators. Operating within the interpretivist paradigm; and using a naturalistic inquiry approach, thematic analysis was used with semistructured interviews, participant observation, and graduate surveys. The findings confirmed the importance of helping emerging facilitators to develop high levels of self-awareness and a better understanding of how to manage their presence in the group. The possibility of person-centered facilitator education acting as a form of psychotherapy was flagged as a potential issue even though this was not the case in the programs observed. The study also highlighted the importance of informing emerging facilitators, before enrolment in a program, that some participants may find person-centered facilitator education challenging and confrontational.
Details
- Title
- Facilitate First Thyself: The Person-Centered Dimension of Facilitator Education
- Authors
- Glyn J Thomas (Author) - La Trobe University
- Publication details
- Journal of Experiential Education, Vol.31(2), pp.168-188
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Inc.
- Date published
- 2008
- DOI
- 10.1177/105382590803100205
- ISSN
- 1053-8259
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449021502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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