Samefacilitating

Samefacilitating is a term used to describe a facilitation approach in which the facilitator applies standardized structures, prompts, and supports with the aim of producing uniform facilitation effects across all participants. It emphasizes consistency in how inputs are delivered and how experiences are structured, with the goal of promoting equity, comparability, and replicability in outcomes.

In practice, samefacilitating relies on scripted or highly planned elements such as a fixed agenda, identical prompts for each participant, equal time allocations, and uniformly designed materials. The method contrasts with adaptive facilitation, which tailors guidance to individual needs or dynamics within a group. Proponents argue that samefacilitating can reduce variability introduced by facilitators, improve accessibility, and simplify evaluation by making processes more predictable.

Contexts where samefacilitating may be applied include education, corporate training, workshops, focus group discussions, and online collaborative environments. Techniques associated with the approach include standardized discussion questions, uniform task instructions, and universal design considerations to accommodate diverse participants.

Potential advantages include greater perceived fairness, easier scalability, and clearer measurement of outcomes. Potential drawbacks involve reduced responsiveness to unique group dynamics, the risk of stifling creativity, and challenges in balancing uniformity with relevance to different participants.

Overall, samefacilitating represents a structured, equity-focused end of the facilitation spectrum. As a relatively new or evolving concept, its definitions, practices, and effectiveness continue to be explored across disciplines.