Role of Discussion
Facilitator:
Encourage and guide the
discussion
Be clear about the purpose and
expected outcomes of the discussion
Encourage participants to respond to
each other as well as to the facilitator
Recognize participants via private and
public messages
Share information and resources and
encourage others to do the same
Create a welcoming environment
Tie together the threads of the
discussion and summarize it
Enforce the discussion group ground
rules, if necessary
Keep the discussion focused on the
topic
Clarify the questions and comments of
participants, if necessary
Act as an unbiased, neutral
commentator
Participate regularly, actively and
thoughtfully
Ask leading questions; resist being
too chatty
Decide when to resolve
conflict/hostile interaction
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