Providing opportunities for dialogue and reflection

By its nature, discussion requires freedom to contribute and share ideas without judgement. However, this does not mean that no facilitation is required.

If fact, discussions are most effective when the trainer has a clear presence, sets the proper tone and expectations, prompts students to contribute, and performs the important task of synthesizing and summarizing to ensure the discussion achieves useful outcomes. 

However, good facilitation also means leaving space for dialogue to develop. A skilful trainer keeps a light touch in directing discussions to avoid inhibiting learners' freedom of thought and expression. Training sometimes means allowing time for learners to respond to each other rather than providing the answers. Remember that learning occurs through the challenge of expressing what one is learning, not just hearing what the trainer knows.