09/02/2015
Re: Process of Facilitating the Discussion
Dear folks,
Allah’u’Abha!
This is the suggested dynamics of facilitating the discussion which the friends may give their valuable inputs for modifications to bring out its best refinement, if not perfection.
I don’t have exact idea how the discussion will be facilitated in the Facebook On-line Study, but of course I have experienced attending numerous Ruhi study circles from which a framework and workable process of facilitating the discussion can be gained, nor have I experienced joining Baha’i Facebook On-line Study in the past for neither there is an existing one which we may look-up to as a model for this page but if there is, which I have never noticed or heard of it, then, just inform me.
Nevertheless, I just try to put myself steer clear, with the end-in-view, of digging out priceless treasures found in the The Kitab-i-Iqan book and, so, I have invited friends to join me in this quest to make it enjoyable with the friends around from other places in the world giving insights from the diverse perspectives. Moreover, we have a famous tool in our Faith in polishing and modifying to the best refinement different tasks through the cycle of action and learning and this is what we called the cycle of CARS- Consultation-Action-Reflection-Study. By this tool, we may be able bring to the best refinement, if not perfection, the process or methods of facilitating the discussion on a Baha’i Facebook On-line Study which may serve as a model for gaining insights in organizing other Baha’i Facebook On-line Studies but on different Baha’i Books or Holy Writings with friends, as participants, from all around the world.
To provide an instant framework and workable processes of facilitating the discussion, we will adopt and follow insights from Ruhi Institute whichever is applicable in this Facebook On-line Study. In a week, there will be a Discussion Facilitator to facilitate on his/her assigned paragraph/s, which could be composed of one or more paragraphs depending on how clear or depth the paragraph/s is/are and how indispensably connected the paragraphs to one another, to exhaust its discussion while the remaining two facilitators are preparing for their own assigned paragraph/s for the succeeding weeks. After a week, the first assigned paragraph/s is/are considered as “closed”. Then, the second facilitator will become a Discussion Facilitator who will post his/her own assigned paragraphs, together with researched elaborations and cross-references from other Writings, while the third facilitator is preparing for her/his turn. This rotational pattern goes on and on until the last paragraph of the book.
This rotational arrangement will free the facilitator from exhausting task of single handedly acting as facilitator for the entire book and may provide rest period or it will give him/her time to do research for his/her next assigned paragraph/s. But, if someone wish to be a sole facilitator for the entire book, then, he may clearly state his/her intention” or to send me private message because in response I will just simply say “So, be it”
The assignment of paragraph/s will be decided by the facilitators themselves. Or if they so wish, they may assign to me the task of assigning the paragraph/s which I will act as an over-all coordinator of the page.
The assigned paragraph which is being discussed in the thread is entirely left at the complete discretion of the Discussion Facilitator. He/she may employs techniques, methods, approaches, questions etc. suited to his/her style of facilitating the discussion with the end-in-view that the greater participants will be encouraged to participate in the discussion. Likewise, the Discussion Facilitator has full discretion to decide question or issue being raised on his/her thread. In the event, it is a difficult question or issue which is being raised again for reconsideration, Discussion Facilitator will ask for consultation with other facilitators, in private or through private messaging, then, convey its decision, which is already final.
The tentative date for the start of the study will be on the first day of Ayyam-i-Ha-Feb. 25 or March 1, 2015.
Friends, I wish to hear your valuable inputs on the above suggested plans and methods for the study.
HAVE A GOOD AND BLISSFUL DAY!
Thanks
Rudy D. Gumban
Temporary Facilitator/Coordinator