Facilitating on Purpose

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom answers a listener's question about how to help people shift from lecture-style delivery to a more engaging, participatory approach to facilitating learning. Drawing from years of experience supporting faculty and facilitators, Beth shares practical strategies for supporting others in embracing active learning methods. Beth also talks about: Establishing a culture of continuous improvement Using goal setting and debriefing to grow facilitation skills Taking a coach approach to support others Explaining why active learning works using plain language Encouraging facilitators to let go of control and learn alongside their participants Links From the Episode EP 4 Facilitation is the New Coaching with Moe Poirier Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience For Any Group with Beth Cougler Blom EP 47 The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom EP 19 Choosing Activities with Beth Cougler Blom Instructional Skills Workshop Universal Design for Learning Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected] Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Gwyn Wansbrough about how to design and facilitate online sessions that are energizing rather than exhausting. Gwyn shares strategies for crafting engaging virtual learning environments and explains the importance of preparation, intentionality, and creating space for connection. Beth and Gwyn also talk about: Why online sessions often feel draining and how to shift that experience The power of designing for every moment, from the waiting room to the closing Using music, prompts, and personal greetings to build early connection Gwyn's Breakthrough Arc framework for session design How embracing uncertainty creates the conditions for magic Engage with Gwyn Wansbrough Website: https://www.gwynwansbrough.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwynwansbrough/ Gwyn's Breakthrough Arc Gwyn's Online Engagement Scorecard Links From the Episode Priya Parker Partners for Youth Empowerment Cam Houser Brett Macdonald Dream a Dream EP 13 Experimenting with Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies by Jo Chrona Kelly Terbasket, IndigenEYEZ Royal Roads University, Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies Instructional Skills Workshop BOPPPS Model (as described by the University of Saskatchewan) Beth's upcoming book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation Michael Bungay Stanier StreamAlive OBS Said Saddouk Jan Keck Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected] Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Andy Sontag about what experience design really means and how it connects to facilitation and learning. Beth and Andy explore how designing with emotion, meaning, and intention can create transformative learning experiences that go far beyond content delivery. Beth and Andy also talk about: Why experience design is about designing for feelings, not just thinking or doing The difference between experience design and human-centered design How to design for meaning, even in short or small-scale learning sessions Using the 5E experience design model to shape memorable learning journeys The power of co-creation, trust, and emergence in creating lasting impact Engage with Andy Sontag Experience Design at Kaospilot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysontag Links From the Episode Nathan Schedroff SCARF Model for Psychological Safety in Groups Positive Psychology PERMA Model The 5E Experience Design Model EP 60 Learning That Lasts with Beth Cougler Blom Hollyhock Leadership Center Fabulous Learning Nerds Podcast (Episode 43 Learning From a Magician with Danny Whitson) Art of Hosting Kaospilot's Gathering Design Strategies Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected] Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Tolulope (Tolu) Noah about designing and facilitating workshops with intentionality. Tolu, an educational developer and author, shares insights from her new book of the same name, which offers a comprehensive and accessible framework for workshop planning across many learning contexts. Beth and Tolu also talk about: Applying the Workshop Wheel framework and its ten guiding principles Designing for diverse participants with intentional inclusivity Understanding "facilitator zone" versus "participant zone" Using protocols, videos, and tools to foster meaningful connection Designing multidirectional learning Engage with Tolu Noah Website: https://www.tolunoah.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tolu-noah/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/drtolunoah.bsky.social Links From the Episode Tolu Noah, Designing and Facilitating Workshops with Intentionality Beth Cougler Blom, Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience for Any Group Leanne Hughes, The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint Rob Fitzpartrick, The Workshop Survival Guide: How to design and teach educational workshops that work every time Sharon Bowman, Training From the Back of the Room!: 65 Ways to Step Aside and Let Them Learn Session Lab Beth's Lesson Plan Template University Design for Learning (CAST) Thomas Tobin and Kirsten Behling, Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education Tolu Noah, Mistakes I Used to Make in Digital Accessibility—and How to Fix Them WCAG Standards EP 61 Accessibility in Learning and Beyond with Nora Loyst EP 63 Neurodivergent-Affirming Practices in Facilitation with Marie Dubost Center for Leadership and Educational Equity Protocols Liberating Structures 1-2-4-All and TRIZ Padlet Bonni Stachowiak, Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected] Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom explores the role of silence in facilitation and how it can be a powerful and intentional tool. Beth shares personal reflections, practical tips, and cultural considerations around silence, encouraging facilitators to embrace it as part of creating thoughtful and inclusive learning spaces. Beth also talks about: How to normalize silence as part of participatory experiences Why facilitators should plan silence into their agendas Strategies to help facilitators become more comfortable with quiet moments What to do when silence is interrupted How everyday life can teach us about using silence Links From the Episode EP 63 Neurodivergent-Affirming Practices in Facilitation with Marie Dubost Tricia Hersey (Rest is Resistance Book, Rest Deck cards) Learn about Beth's upcoming book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected] Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn