Studying the professionalism of a pilot, it is impossible to ignore such a necessary skill for a competent pilot as facilitation.

In the modern world, learning is becoming more dynamic and diverse, which requires flexibility, openness, and readiness to exchange knowledge from students and teachers. One of the key skills that can significantly improve the learning and collaboration process is facilitation. In this article, we will look at what facilitation is, how to develop this skill in students, and how to use open-ended questions to stimulate learning and communication of flight crews.

The term "facilitation" comes from the Latin word "facilitas," which means "ease" or "simplicity." Facilitation became a popular concept in the field of education and training in the mid-20th century, although its roots can be traced back to the late 19th century. The main idea of facilitation is that the role of an instructor or teacher should not so much dictate knowledge as create conditions for learning, where students or active flight crews can independently study, exchange ideas, and develop skills.

To develop facilitation skills among flight crew members, it is important, first of all, to show them an example of how an effective facilitator works. Listeners can learn the basic principles of facilitation in classes conducted by facilitator-teachers, and by observing their work with other groups. Some of the key aspects of facilitation that should be communicated to them include active listening, empathy, managing group dynamics, and the ability to ask the right questions.

Developing facilitation skills in students can take place through practical exercises where they themselves take on the role of facilitator. For example, students can be asked to prepare and facilitate a discussion on a particular topic, where they will use facilitation techniques to stimulate dialogue and exchange of ideas among participants. During such classes, students can receive feedback from their peers and teachers, which will help them improve their skills.

One of the most important aspects of facilitation is the use of open-ended questions, which foster discussion and help participants express their thoughts and ideas. Open-ended questions typically start with "what", "how", "why", "where", or "when" and require a more detailed response than just "yes" or "no".

For example, instead of the question "Do you agree with this statement?" the facilitator could ask: "What arguments would be suitable in favor or against this statement?". This type of question encourages students to think deeper, analyze, and articulate their point of view.

Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of facilitation in the educational process. Students who take an active part in learning absorb information better and develop critical thinking skills.

For instance, a 2015 study conducted by John Hattie showed that the use of facilitation increases student performance by 18-23%.

Thus, facilitation is a powerful tool for stimulating active learning and development. The ability to ask open-ended questions, analyze situations, and adapt to various groups is a valuable skill that will serve students throughout their professional career. Given all of the above, it becomes clear that incorporating facilitation into the educational process is crucial for preparing qualified specialists who are ready to solve complex tasks and work in a team.

As a facilitator-instructor, the main task is to create an environment where participants can learn independently, exchange experiences, and work on problems. Here are some key aspects of facilitation:

Developing facilitation skills in students is an important aspect of modern education, as it promotes active participation, deep understanding of the material, and the development of team skills. The application of facilitation in the educational process allows students to become more independent and responsible for their learning.

Teachers and instructors should aim to develop their facilitation skills and use them to create a productive and open educational environment. Special attention should be given to open-ended questions, which stimulate dialogue, analysis, and reflection. Ultimately, this will allow students to better prepare for professional activities and successfully meet the challenges of the modern world.

The use of facilitation in the educational process and the development of this skill in students will play a decisive role in their future success. Along with the ability to ask open-ended questions and analyze different situations, students will become more flexible and adaptive to changes. This, in turn, will help them not only in their studies, but also in their future professional lives, where teamwork, decision-making, and analytical skills are of paramount importance.

Name of article: Skill of facilitation
Release date: 5/4/2023
Acrticle author: Georgii Kurbatskii