Information for Prospective Facilitators
Facilitator (noun): leader, coach, mentor, teacher
If you can see yourself in this role, consider becoming part of the "quiet revolution" that is changing the way we go about learning and teaching here in the College of Engineering.
Scroll through these links to learn about:
Who Are Facilitators and What Do They Do?
Facilitators are engineering sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have mastered the course material in core courses (with a minimum overall GPA 3.0 or a grade of B+ or higher in the course) and wish to help their peers succeed. They undergo training in such skills as communication, presentation, group dynamics, learning and teaching styles, teaching in a diverse classroom, etc. They lead one or more workshops per semester, receiving pay through Engineering Learning Initiatives.
In addition to preparing for and conducting the workshops, facilitators participate in ongoing training provided by Engineering Learning Initiatives. They also undergo a midterm evaluation process, through which students provide feedback on their workshop strategies. These training and evaluation processes equip facilitators with tools to create quality cooperative learning environments into their workshops and to continually improve their methods based on student feedback and staff mentoring.
Experienced facilitators report positive experiences—fun, rewarding, professionally valuable, even life-changing.
Co-facilitation: More Brains, More Support
One of the factors in creating rewarding experiences for our facilitators has been the use of co-facilitation or facilitation teams. Each workshop is led by two trained undergraduate facilitators--upper class engineering students who are interested in developing their own teaching and facilitating skills. Facilitators share in the tasks of preparing for the workshops, answering questions, and facilitating teamwork among their students. Co-facilitation also provides a safety net for first-timers, allowing them to try new techniques and get feedback from supportive peers.
Nuts -n- Bolts
Facilitators may select assignment to workshops supporting:
- Math 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094
- Chem 1009
- CS 1010, CS 1012
Facilitators must:
- Have a 3.0 GPA
- Participate in a training session early in the semester and in regular training sessions and staff meetings throughout the semester
Course assignments are made on the basis of the facilitator’s background, preference, and schedule.
The Math, Chemistry, and CS workshops are stand-alone cooperative learning experiences running parallel to the math, chemistry, and computer science courses listed above. They are 1-credit S/U courses taken by students interested in learning additional skills, working in teams to solve problems, and approaching standard material in new ways. Workshops meet once a week for two hours. Facilitators have full responsibility for conducting these sessions.
Engineering Learning Initiatives
167 Olin Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: 607-255-9622
Fax: 607-255-9297
E-mail: eng-learning@cornell.edu
