Workshop Practitioners' Recognition of Difficulties in Facilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the difficulties in facilitation experienced by practitioners (beginners and adept) conducting workshops in various fields. As a result of a questionnaire survey targeting 152 persons and an interview survey targeting 16 individuals, the main difficulties in facilitation of workshops could be classified into, (1) motivation and creating the atmosphere of the place, (2) appropriate explanation and instructions, (3) communication support, (4) understanding situation of participants, (5) responding to unforeseen circumstances, and (6) adjusting the program. Further, the trends in difficulties varied depending on the differences in the practical area of the workshop, and with expertise the difficulties reduced, but it became clear that new difficulties which could not be perceived at the beginners to intermediate stage were recognized.