Become an AEW Facilitator
Information for Prospective Facilitators
Facilitator (noun): leader, coach, mentor, teacher
If you can see yourself in this role, consider becoming part of the "quiet revolution" that is changing the way we go about learning and teaching here in the College of Engineering.
Applying to Become a Facilitator
Applications for the Fall 2023 semester are now open:
Fall 2023 AEW Facilitator Application
Contact ELI at eng-learning@cornell.edu with questions.
Who Are Facilitators and What Do They Do?
Facilitators are engineering sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have mastered the course material in core courses and wish to help their peers succeed. They typically facilitate one workshop per semester, receiving pay through Engineering Learning Initiatives.
In addition to preparing for and conducting the workshops, facilitators participate in ongoing training in areas such as communication, active learning techniques, group dynamics, and teaching in a diverse classroom. They also undergo a midterm evaluation process, through which students provide feedback on their workshop strategies. These training and evaluation processes equip facilitators with tools to create quality collaborative learning environments in their workshops and to continually improve their methods based on student feedback and staff mentoring.
Facilitators report positive experiences—fun, rewarding, professionally valuable, even life-changing.
Co-facilitation: More Brains, More Support
One of the factors in creating rewarding experiences for our facilitators has been the use of co-facilitation. Each workshop is led by two undergraduate facilitators, who share in the tasks of preparing materials for the workshops, leading the workshop sessions, responding to student questions, and facilitating teamwork among their students. The co-facilitation model provides a safety net for first-timers, allowing them to try new techniques and get feedback from supportive peers.
Nuts -n- Bolts
- Facilitators must have at least a 3.0 GPA and a grade of B+ or higher in the course they would like to facilitate is strongly preferred.
- Workshops meet once a week for 2 hours.
- Facilitators participate in training sessions at the outset of the term, and approximately twice per month throughout the semester.
- Facilitators are paid for their time leading the workshops, preparing materials, and participating in training sessions: approximately 6 hours per week + trainings.
Questions?
Contact the Engineering Learning Initiatives office by emailing eng-learning@cornell.edu.