Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
FACILITATING GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Limit the number of women participating to 20 maximum.
2. Gather the group in a comfortable place.
3. Seat women in a circle if possible so everyone is equal and can see and hear each
other.
4. Invite the group at the beginning to take part in the discussion. Emphasize that you
will not be doing all the talking.
5. Maintain eye contact with the group. Look at everyone in the group. Focusing only
on the one or two people who answer most of the questions discourages others.
6. Pay attention to your facial expressions, body movements and gests.
7. Be aware of tics (repetition of certain words, wringing of hands, pacing of feet)
which may distract the group.
8. Begin with easy questions, with what you think people will be more free to talk
about. This builds people's confidence.
9. Ask an open question. When someone answers, comment on their response or ask
others to comment ("Do you agree? What reactions do you have to this? Are there
other points of view? What do you think about that? What has been your
experience?" etc)
10. If you ask a question and no one answers, ask it again, using slightly different words.
11. Don't give up if answers are slow in coming. It may take people time to warm up to
this form of learning.
12. Always respond with enthusiasm to any answer. Recognize people who answer
even if the answer is wrong: " Thank you for your thoughts", "That's interesting",
"Good for you for speaking up", for example.
13. If someone asks you a question, direct the question back to the group: "That's a very
good question. Does anyone have any thoughts about that?" for example.
14. In the case of real objects or models as visual aids, pass them around so everyone
can see.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 15: Group Education