Facilitation is a term used to describe a possible role of the teacher.

Teacher sitting at desk with two young learners

Facilitation is providing the necessary resources, information and support in order for learners to complete a task, rather than teaching.

Example
A teacher facilitates a discussion on euthanasia by asking learners to research the issues for homework, structuring the groups, providing a list of useful functional phrases, acting as a quick reference for language questions, and managing the discussion where necessary.

In the classroom
The role of teacher as facilitator is fundamental in modern language classrooms. For example, it is key in developing learner-centred work, communicative activities and humanistic approaches.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/sue-sheerin-learner-centred-classroom

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/martin-froggett-building-mentor-mentee-relationship

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