Self Reflection – Group Facilitation # 1: Managing My Time

 Yesterday, I co-facilitated my first group with one of my fellow classmates, Rachel.  The name of our group was “Managing My Time” and was focused on creating awareness of how we spend our time, understanding ways in which we can manage our time more effectively. We used three different activities in order to accomplish the overall objective this session including: Minute to Win It, Time Management Survey and creating a Clock Map. During the first few minutes of the group, Rachel clearly explained to the group the purpose and the outline/schedule for the group. This allowed the group members to know what to expect during the session. 

We had all of the supplies needed for each of the activities that we facilitated. During the first activity, Minute to Win It, Rachel clearly explained and demonstrated how to play each of the games. Rachel also explained how to take the survey and how to score the survey. After the group members finished the survey, I explained the clock map activity and showed the group members and example that I had created in order to give the group a visual demonstration of a daily clock map. Each of these activities was completed in an appropriate amount of time with none of the activities feeling rushed or drawn out for a long period of time. We were able to use 3 different types of activities, which provided variety and allowed for different learners to benefit from our session.

As we completed each activity, we asked each group member to share about her experience with that activity. Specifically for the clock map, we asked each group member to share their “clock” and explain what they did on the day that they chose to represent in their “clock”.  We would then transition into a discussion about that particular activity and how it made the group member feel or what may have surprised them from the activity.  I felt as though we were both respectful towards the group members as they were sharing by giving them our undivided attention, making eye contact and nodding.

After the discussion, I would then try and summarize the general consensus or theme from what the group members had shared. For example, after the clock map activity, many of the group members mentioned it made them aware of how they were spending their time. I thought it was great that we clearly met one of our main purposes of the session through this activity and each of the group members was able to take this away from this session. A couple group members felt guilty for how they were spending their time so we focused and discussed this a little deeper. I believe both Rachel and I did a great job working though the sharing, process and generalizing sections of the session.

Throughout the session, each of the members was respectful of one another by sharing their time as well as taking the group session seriously and not just giving one-word answers. I feel as a group, our members were involved and truly shared their feelings and overall understanding of this topic. At the end of the session, we asked each member to share a goal they had to improve upon their time management if they felt as though they should change something. We then encouraged them to create a strategy or plan to start working towards this goal. I believe we acknowledged each of the group members with respect and honored their opinions and goals as they shared. The group session ended on time and as a group leader, I feel as though this group was successful. I believe we were adequately prepared and I felt happy and a sense of accomplishment with the outcome.