There are just so many non-formal learning methods to choose from for a facilitator or trainer. How to choose the correct one could be a tough question. Can any method be used at any moment? Can I use the same method composition or same session structure in every situation? The answer is not really.
I clearly remember the first times when I had to choose a non-formal education method and the feeling of not being sure whether it would work well or be a total disaster. Of course, the more sessions you deliver, the more comfortable you become, you develop a set of favorite methods and most likely have a few of those that have a bigger potential to cause an A-HA moment in the group rolled up your sleeve. But even now when I decide to try something new, no matter whether it is a tool from a manual or a freshly developed exercise, I get a tingly feeling before the session. So what should you consider in order to hit the sweet spot with your method of choice?
Target Group
Ask yourself what do they know, what they would like to know, what is needed to be known? Step into the shoes of your target group and think what sort of style and dynamic would suit the group best. If your target group are all experts in the field, more methods for sharing and peer support could be appropriate. If they are newcomers to the topic, then a method based on discussion may not bring the expected result and could confuse the participants.
Learning Objectives
What are the objectives to be achieved by the session? If it is to generate new ideas, then one of the many brainstorming methods could be appropriate. If, for instance, it is to explore challenges young people face in the job market, a simulation game could be a good method to go for.
Your Ability
What are your expertise, experience with the method, style and level of confidence? The more emotional method you use, the more comfortable you should be with dealing with strong emotions, mediating possible conflict situations and running a good debriefing. The more complex the method, the more carefully and step by step you want to prepare for it to work.
Resources
How much time you have for preparation and implementation? How many team members are there available? What is the group size? What is the working space like? Which materials are at hand? There are many methods out there that require several facilitators, digital equipment or a number of work spaces. Evaluate what is there at hand before choosing the method.
Context
Are you planning something for a youth exchange, training course or is it a training session requested by a specific client? Do the people know each other or just met? Based on the context of the activity, you can choose which method you can use during the session and which to avoid.
Flow
What was the session before and what is the session after? What methods were used in the prior days? In which stage of development is this group? Based on this you can choose a logical method that has not been used yet and would be a logical link from the previous and into the following session.
There is a great resource out there to learn more about non-formal education and preparing educational activities: Check this video from the YouTrain! project.
