To prepare for online delivery, I used the COSP Remote Facilitation Decision Matrix guidelines and determined that two, one hour sessions each week is preferable to one longer weekly session. So, we’ve been facilitating each chapter over two evenings each week (1 hour each session).
As recommended in the Decision Matrix, I limited the participants to a maximum of three. I contacted each participant ahead of time for a one-to-one 20 minute Zoom session. This session helped me get to know each participant and confirm that we could successfully connect on the Zoom platform. I learned that for this group, participants preferred start time was 8:30 pm because children were more likely to be settled in bed by then. I then posted each participant a COSP Caregiver Workbook and emailed them a link to the COSI website.
I start each session with a Mindful Minute, as described in the Decision Matrix. Participants appear to make good use of this activity, either by stilling themselves and settling in for the session, or taking a minute to grab something they forgot.
Over years of in-person group facilitation, I have consistently heard from participants that they learn a great deal from each other. I had a concern that with only three participants, discussion might be limited. However, each participant in this group has generous time to actively participate. The smaller numbers allow parents to share more frequently and the parents have been able to connect and get to know each other. The group size also offers some flexibility with scheduling if one person has a conflict. Twice so far, we have accommodated a request to switch to the next day. I find that by accommodating needs around start time and occasional scheduling changes, attendance is maintained. The parents also have flexibility to attend even when not at home - one participant has twice joined from a camping location.
I choose not to use a “virtual background” in Zoom as I have observed that it tends to detract from a sense of presence; at times, the background has a distracting, watery movement around the speaker. I also think it communicates some inauthenticity. I have had some challenges in sharing more than one handout online for participants who do not have their workbook handy. This is a technology aspect I will remedy with practice. From time to time audio or picture quality is temporarily lost. The participants are able to give each other tips with how to use their device. Sometimes, a child will temporarily come to a caregiver and join the Zoom. I share how much I enjoy these moments because it really brings home the 24/7 nature of their role and reminds us all of individual realities in applying the course content.
COSP remote facilitation is not a replacement for in-person groups. At the same time, I view online sessions as a viable addition to increase program access for more caregivers, particularly in the context of the current global pandemic.
Mary Ives
Registered COSP Facilitator
Chilliwack, B.C. Canada
If you have been trialing remote facilitation of the COSP program, please share your experiences so that others might learn. What has worked and what hasn’t? What adjustments have you made along the way? Email brooke[at]circleofsecurityinternational[dot]com
