Facilitation Plan for Write Shops MEAS Technical Note

The plan outlines a structured approach to facilitating write shops, which are collaborative writing sessions aimed at creating effective teaching materials. The plan begins with a welcome session on Day #1, where participants are introduced to the facilitators and each other. The facilitators review the agenda and logistics, and participants are asked to consider the characteristics of effective teaching materials. The facilitators then introduce themselves and share examples of effective teaching materials. The facilitators also review the expectations and outcomes of the write shop, which include attending and actively participating in all sessions, respecting diversity of opinions and experiences, and sharing and using the materials created during the write shop. The desired outcomes of the write shop include each participant creating at least one document adapting MEAS materials, participants being more familiar with and able to access the information and tools on the MEAS website, and participants being committed to continue working together sharing ideas and written/electronic resources. The plan includes various activities and energizers to keep participants engaged and motivated throughout the write shop. These activities include the "Group Juggle" icebreaker, where participants toss balls to each other while saying names, and the "On My Farm" energizer, where participants act out daily farm chores. The plan also includes time for participants to review MEAS materials, share writing project ideas, and work on their writing projects individually or in pairs. The daily review sessions are an essential part of the plan, where participants share their experiences, thoughts, and feedback. The facilitators use colored paper to ask participants to share their responses to specific questions, such as the best thing they experienced today or something that surprised them today. Throughout the write shop, the facilitators use various techniques to keep participants engaged and motivated, including energizers, group activities, and individual work time. The plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the participants, and the facilitators are encouraged to be prepared, organized, and flexible. The plan is structured around three days, with each day having a specific focus and set of activities. Day #1 focuses on introductions, expectations, and outcomes, while Day #2 focuses on reviewing MEAS materials and sharing writing project ideas. Day #3 focuses on providing updates on writing projects and facilitating group work. Overall, the Facilitation Plan for Write Shops provides a structured approach to facilitating collaborative writing sessions, with a focus on creating effective teaching materials and promoting participant engagement and motivation.