Guide to facilitator

A reflective learning session is much more than just watching a video.

With reflective learning, the group will discuss what they have just seen. Each participant can
contribute to the discussion and call on their experiences. The group can then consider how
the topic relates to their everyday lives on board.
Reflecting in this way and discussing as a group will lead to a deeper and more rewarding
learning experience.

Preparation for group sessions

As a facilitator, think about the group

How familiar is everyone with the subject being covered? What questions might they ask you?
What do you want this session to achieve?

Watch the video

It is important to familiarise yourself with the video, reference/workbook and reflective
questions (If included) in advance, so that you can anticipate possible questions from the
group and research your answers.

Bring appropriate materials

Depending on the topic for training, you could bring with you any relevant documents or
equipment.

The training facilities

Make sure that the facilities are adequate for training.

Company procedures
Make sure that you are familiar with the relevant company procedures.

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Tips for running an effective training session

Begin with an overview

Tell the group the aims and objectives, what they will know by the end of the session, and
how long it will take. If there are reflective questions, tell the trainees that this will be part of
the session.

Start discussions
In order to get the most out of the group discussion, it is important to create an open and
positive atmosphere where all participants can express their views. This way, everyone gets to
contribute using their own knowledge and personal experiences. Perception and perspective
are very individual and the participants should be encouraged to share different views. This
will result in a common understanding of the issues and lead to a stronger safety culture.

Review what the session has achieved

At the end, briefly bring together everything you have covered. Make sure that you have asked
for any other questions, and answered them. Ask the group what they found most useful
about the session. Summarise and highlight the key learning points and draw conclusions.

Afterwards
When the session is over, spend a few minutes thinking about how it went, and how you might
want to change it next time. Write down any lessons learned.

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