Extension Practice

Topic: Group Facilitation

published - 15 April 2019
By Gavin Beever
Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing – Tuckman’s Model of Group Development

Using this model, an extension professional can help a new team come together and work effectively sooner.  Bringing a new group of people together, who do not know each well and helping them unite with a common purpose, takes time.  Psychologist Bruce Tuckman, put together a path that groups can …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Resources, Theory

published - 18 March 2019
By Gavin Beever
De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats

Edward De Bono developed the “Six Thinking Hats” as a simple, systematic, method of thinking; that can help individuals and groups be more focussed, efficient and effective with their thinking, collaboration and decision making.

The approach helps individuals and group members, view issues and challenges from different perspectives, which then assists them …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Theory

published - 30 January 2019
By Gavin Beever
Working with Groups – Group Establishment

Extension often involves working with groups of people.  As an extension professional, we use special skills to do so and these are things that can be developed and improved over time.  This article will provide things to consider to help you get the best out of other people and yourself, …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Resources

published - 15 November 2018
By Gavin Beever
Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitation Methods

Technology of Participation (ToP) is a well known brand and a great resource of facilitation processes and tools, that are useful for extension professionals.  The ToP methods have been developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs to help people think, talk and work together.
“A new style of facilitative leadership is …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Resources

published - 15 May 2018
By Gavin Beever
Action Research

Image source: Valencia College
Action Research is an approach that brings together researchers and end users (theory and practice) to deliver practical outcomes through a process of shared knowledge creation that empowers the end users to undertake practice change.

“Practice change relates to how farmers alter their current practices to improve their …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Resources

published - 30 September 2017
By Gavin Beever
Action Learning

(Image source, Wendy Brooks, 2016)
Action Learning is a theory and process developed by Professor Reg Revans (Revans, 1982). It is an excellent tool and process for Extension Professionals to facilitate groups (Action Learning “sets”) to tackle key problems or tasks that are complex in nature and don’t already have a solution. “Action …
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Home, Methods & Tools, Theory

published - 14 September 2017
By Gavin Beever
Ice Breakers for Group Extension

Ice breakers are an important component of group extension. They help build rapport, establish some common ground and make group members feel comfortable. They can be used to:

Effectively introduce a facilitator
Introduce and set the tone for an activity
Introduce people to each other
Set the scene for the day
“Warm up” participants
Break down barriers
Help …
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Home, Methods & Tools