Educational Affairs - Office of Educational Development

Faculty Development Facilitator Workshops

The Facilitator Training Workshops are for UTMB faculty members who are expected to facilitate any of the courses in the Integrated Medical Curriculum (IMC), or who need an introduction to the general role of a facilitator in problem-based learning (PBL) and other small group activities.

Three sequential workshops are given depending upon the participant's level of experience with problem-based learning and group facilitation. The workshops are titled Introduction to Problem-based Learning, Beginning Facilitation Skills, and Advanced Facilitator Discussion Group.

Introduction to Problem-based Learning

The Introduction to Problem-based Learning Workshop introduces new facilitators to their role in a problem-based learning (PBL) group and provides them with the general knowledge of what is expected of them as a facilitator.

Upcoming Class Dates: Interactive Module 1; Module 2 is scheduled by email with a minimum of 4 participants that completed Module 1 to merit a class.
Please contact oedhelp@UTMB.EDU for more information.

Workshop topics include:

  • What is problem-based learning
  • Features of PBL
  • Benefits of PBL over other teaching methods
  • PBL case process and session structure
  • Developing and using Ground Rules
  • Role of the facilitator
  • Facilitating the tutorial process
  • Facilitating group dynamics
  • Serving as a resource
  • Evaluating performance
  • Using PBL facilitator guides
  • Facilitation skills of an effective PBL tutor
  • Common pitfalls to avoid
  • Developmental stages of groups: phases from start-up to maturity
  • Group maintenance
  • Facilitator responsibilities at UTMB SOM
  • Expectations for students in PBL
  • Evaluating students

Beginning Facilitation Skills

Our Beginning Facilitation Skills Workshop expands on the Introduction to Problem-based Learning Workshop, focusing on application and practice of key facilitation skills. Although this course is designed to extend and refine new facilitators' skills, it can be beneficial to anyone wishing to enhance their facilitation skills within or outside of the PBL format. New PBL facilitators should attend the Introduction to Problem-based Learning Workshop prior to this class so they will already have a basic understanding of the PBL process.

Workshop topics include:

  • Distinction between facilitation group content (the task the group is working on) and group process (how the group works on that task)
  • Group roles related both to task and group process
  • Methods of effective communication to develop the trust and support of others- Questioning skills- Listening skills/empathy
  • Giving feedback (positive and constructive)

Advanced Facilitator Discussion Group

An Advanced Facilitator Discussion Group is designed for faculty members who facilitating a PLB group. The purpose of these discussion sessions are to allow experienced and less experienced facilitators come together and share successes and challenges they have experienced while teaching a PBL group with the goal of helping each other find solutions to their challenges.

Sessions are offered at the request of the Course Director. They may be offered as many times as needed during a PBL course. Sessions are one hour in length. Facilitators can attend these sessions as often as they like.

Faculty members in the Office of Educational Development (OED) conduct the workshops.

For information on upcoming class dates, please contact at: OEDhelp@utmb.edu.

OED Information