PBL core skills faculty development workshop 2: Training faculty in group learning facilitation skills through role-modeling and role-play activities

Abstract

This report describes the second workshop in a series intended to prepare faculty for their roles in a newly instituted problem-based learning (PBL) dental program. The Facilitation of Learning workshop was designed to familiarize participants with the role of the facilitator in the small-group learning context, the skills required for facilitation, and identification of student behaviors requiring facilitator intervention. Methods included discussion of a subject-specific scenario, role-modeling of a mock student group by workshop leaders or PBL students, and role-play by participants as facilitators of the mock group. An exit survey showed the majority of participants felt the workshop goals had been met. The opportunity to observe and participate in a realistically simulated PBL group was most commonly identified as an effective workshop element by attendees, with participant discussions and opportunities for input from experienced facilitators and students (when used) also cited as effective. Participant criticisms and suggestions that will likely contribute to program enhancement notably included expressed desires for further observation and practice prior to facilitation of a PBL student learning group and availability of ongoing follow-up training and support for fledgling facilitators.