Ever watched Back to the Future and wished you could jump in a DeLorean to revisit past moments? That’s how I felt last November when I joined MDF’s Training & Facilitation Skills course. It took me back to my days as a teacher, designing workshops and connecting with students, while also giving me tools to shape the future of my work. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic remembering my sessions and the joy of that time, with my group of students or participants, seeing them learning and growing.

‍

‍

This hands-on course wasn’t just about theory. From the very beginning, we pitched ideas and put into practice what we had learned. As someone who works in marketing and communications now, I was amazed at how much of it applied to my role. Facilitation isn’t just for trainers. It's a skill that helps in meetings, decision-making, and even webinars. It felt like revisiting an old skill with a fresh perspective.

‍

Filling in my “knowledge jar”

One activity that surprised and impressed me was the “knowledge jar.” Each day of the training, we added reflections and learning points to jars gifted to us by our trainers, Pauline and Hady. At first, it seemed like a simple exercise, but by the end of the week, seeing how much I had gained was eye-opening. Revisiting those notes made me realise that even small actions can create something meaningful if they are consistent (a necessary reminder for both personal and professional growth).

‍

A glass jar provided on the first day of training, used to collect and store key knowledge points throughout the course.
A glass jar provided on the first day of training, used to collect and store key knowledge points throughout the course.

‍

Bringing back my branding project

A big highlight for me was finally tackling a project I had been hesitant to start: designing branding workshops for my organisation. For a year, I had put it off, feeling out of practice. The course reignited my confidence and reminded me that, back in Brazil, I loved personalising content to meet my students' needs, making it fun and engaging for everyone.  It was just a matter of rediscovering and reviving those skills. It also reinforced that facilitation is about more than standing in front of a group: it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen and encouraged.

‍

A screenshot of the online session I developed as part of my branding workshop project.
A screenshot of the online session I developed as part of my branding workshop project.

‍

Pens, paper and the beauty of simplicity

One of the most impactful lessons was the value of simple, old-school tools like flip charts and colourful pens. Using them felt liberating, stepping away from overly complicated solutions and focusing on what really matters. This practical approach reminded me how effective visuals and simple objects can be for making information stick. It is the kind of creativity we often forget in a world where PowerPoint slides and digital applications are used more often.

‍

Practical sessions using flipcharts: the power of paper and pen to build visuals and make knowledge stick.
Practical sessions using flipcharts: the power of paper and pen to build visuals and make knowledge stick.

‍

A course for everyone

This course isn’t just for trainers. If you’ve ever led a meeting, onboarded a colleague, or brainstormed with a group, the skills you will gain here can elevate how you work. It’s about creating spaces where ideas flow, people connect, and real learning happens. What I learned (and relearned) will help my future projects for years to come.

‍

Participants of the Training & Facilitation Skills course in November 2024.
Participants of the Training & Facilitation Skills course in November 2024.

‍

If you are curious about designing memorable training sessions or facilitating better discussions, I highly recommend it. The next session is in June 2025. Maybe I’ll see you there? Find out more and register here.

‍