Workshop 'Moderating and Structuring Productive Meetings'
- Datum: 17.06.2025
- Ort: Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
- Raum: B0.002
Successful moderation is essential when navigating complex topics, especially in scientific, interdisciplinary settings. A skilled moderator can guide a group through challenging discussions, ensure that objectives are met, and create a space where all participants feel heard and engaged. This course provides participants with the foundational tools and confidence needed to lead structured, inclusive, and effective meetings or discussion groups.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a moderator, including how to remain neutral, manage group dynamics, and encourage constructive dialogue. Emphasis is placed on setting clear objectives, selecting appropriate formats, and applying facilitation techniques tailored to the context—whether it’s a scientific workshop, a panel discussion, or an internal team meeting.
Throughout the training, participants will be introduced to questioning strategies, moderation frameworks, and tools for handling difficult situations or dominant voices in group conversations. The course blends theory with hands-on learning, enabling participants to directly apply what they’ve learned.
Example activities include:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a moderator, including how to remain neutral, manage group dynamics, and encourage constructive dialogue. Emphasis is placed on setting clear objectives, selecting appropriate formats, and applying facilitation techniques tailored to the context—whether it’s a scientific workshop, a panel discussion, or an internal team meeting.
Throughout the training, participants will be introduced to questioning strategies, moderation frameworks, and tools for handling difficult situations or dominant voices in group conversations. The course blends theory with hands-on learning, enabling participants to directly apply what they’ve learned.
Example activities include:
- Roleplay exercises simulating real-world scenarios (e.g., facilitating a team meeting or a public discussion)
- Fishbowl discussion format to practice balancing speaking time and encouraging participation
- Live moderation practice with peer feedback and reflection rounds
- Group analysis of case studies, where participants evaluate real or fictional examples of successful and unsuccessful moderation
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Define the goals and boundaries of their moderation role
- Plan and structure discussions using a range of moderation techniques
- Guide groups toward productive outcomes
- Handle challenging situations with confidence and neutrality
- Foster inclusion and engagement across different participant types
If you are interested in joining the workshop, please register here by June 9th.