Facilitation & Learning Culture

TRYING TO FIND THE “RIGHT” ANSWER

Not all learners can adapt quickly to the relatively open, creative learning space the Educathon creates. It is advised to repeat as often as possible that the Educathon is not about finding the “perfect” but instead the most innovative solution/answer to a problem.

NOT USING THEIR TIME WISELY

In every Educathon, some groups think that some of the time spans suggested for an activity(e.g. the brainstorming) are too long
and that they do not “need” it. However, make sure that time is indeed filled with the assigned activity and that teams do not
stop working once they have what they think is the perfect solution.

QUIET PARTICIPANTS

The methodology of the educathon and the material is designed in a way that makes it impossible for individuals not to partake
at all in the team process. However, some participants may be too shy (or too lazy) to participate. It is key to reassure the whole
group that every voice counts and that everyone must be heard. If needed, some ground rules (similar to the brainstomring rules,
see p. 6) can be established at the beginning of the Educathon. Facilitators should try and actively involve those participants
during the team work phases.

CHALLENGING GROUP DYNAMICS & DOMINANT PERSONALITIES

On the other side, some dominant personalities may push their ideas in uncomfortable ways – because they are of higher status,
are more experienced or are simply very, very convinced that their idea is the best. Facilitators will soon notice this and can try to
actively make the other team members contribute or even challenge the dominant person’s idea without completely neglecting
it.

DEALING WITH THE TIME PRESSURE

“That’s not enough time!” is probably one of the sentences you’ll hear more than once during your Educathon. But: A certain
amount of time pressure is needed to make sure the teams work fully concentrated. No extra time should be allowed and all
teams should always have the exact same amount of time to do the activities – it’s part of the game!

DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION

Regarding the time pressure and the search for a creative idea in particular, some individuals can get frustrated. If facilitators
notice this, they need to reassure the group that whatever they come up with will be more creative than they think it is now, and
that there is no “perfect” idea that needs to be found. Groups with a high frustration level should be monitored closely by the
facilitators, as they will need some motivational pushes.