What is the difference between training and faciliation?

Hi there
I am seeking a consise way to explain the difference between training and faciliation.

Think bullet point definition.

I am seeking a laymans definition that I can use when decribing the difference between the two for non HR, L&D and OD people.

Thanks!
Colleen

I would say the following,

Training:
* Transfer knowledge/skills to staff through classroom style presentations, showing them how to do something and explaing models and theory
* A trainer is the expert on the topic
* Training can be oneway communication with questions afterwards

Facilitating:
* Not an expert in the field
* Open communication in the group
* Facilitator guide the group to the end goal without telling them what to do.
* Guidance is done through great questioning techniques.

This is my perspecive in a nutshell. PM me if you want to discuss in detail

Hi Colleen
Here are some thoughts from me, including some points on presenting as well.

Lisa.

Training:
 Participants are present to learn
 Outcomes are based on learning
 Session plans are prepared to enhance the learning structure
 Instructor is the catalyst for learning
 Visual and training aids are used to illustrate learning points
 Involvement (experiential learning) is used to learn from others’ experience and retain interest
 Number of participants varies; usually under 50

Facilitating:
 Participants are members of teams whose purpose is to achieve a common goal
 Outcomes are based on actions to take forward
 An agenda is used to structure the workshop for effectiveness
 The facilitator uses questions to develop individual involvement
 Flip charts are used to record team member input and ideas
 The facilitator manages the workshop structure and process, rather than the content
 Size is typically 5-9

Presenting:
 Audience is present to receive prepared remarks
 Outcomes are based on what is to be communicated ie. sell, inform, motivate, describe
 Presenters outline is structured on logic
 Presenter primarily answers rather than asks questions
 Visual aids are used to present data
 Communication is largely one way from presenter to audience
 Group can be any size

Hey,

I like to look at it from another perspective...

Training for skills development
Facilitating for ideas generation
Presenting for information emparting (is that a word??)

:)

thanks for this, I needed to clarify the definition of facilitation for a job ad and this has helped me out and made it clear and concise!


Ben

Melbourne Team Building Activities Team Building Activities – Team Building Games & Exercises – Be Challenged from Team building experts Team Building Activities – Team Building Games & Exercises – Be Challenged

Simliar to this question i need to define the difference between training and coaching?

Hi Megansant,

I've often been asked this in my role in L&D by non L&D people and I use a football analogy (sport seems to work with so many people)

When you train someone in football - you show them how to kick the ball. When coaching, you encourage them to remember what they learnt, use what they learnt and repeat past good performances.

It's a rudimentary explanation but it seems to have worked well for me.

Kind regards
K