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Facilitation

Gilly Salmon's Five Stage Model

A developmental framework designed to scaffold the online learning experience by guiding participants through a structured progression of technical mastery and social interaction. It emphasizes the role of the 'e-moderator' in facilitating active engagement and collaborative knowledge building.

5 phasesFacilitation
When to Use This Framework

When a few voices dominate or quieter people don't contribute

Your group discussions aren't balanced, you need better ways to include everyone, or conversations go in circles.

This model is most effective for asynchronous online courses, blended learning programs, and the development of online communities of practice where social presence is critical for success.

The 5 Steps
Follow this sequence to apply Gilly Salmon's Five Stage Model
1

Stage 1: Access and Motivation

2

Stage 2: Online Socialization

3

Stage 3: Information Exchange

4

Stage 4: Knowledge Construction

5

Stage 5: Development

What You'll Achieve

Ensures every voice is heard and the group's collective intelligence is unlocked.

Facilitators can integrate this by designing a sequence of 'e-tivities' that match the current stage of the group. Start with low-stakes technical onboarding, transition into social icebreakers, and gradually increase the complexity of collaborative tasks as the group moves toward self-managed learning.

Practical Tips
How to get the most out of this framework
  • 1
    Use structured turn-taking to balance voices
  • 2
    Start with individual reflection before group discussion
  • 3
    Create safe spaces for minority opinions
  • 4
    Summarize and synthesize regularly
Best For
  • Asynchronous online learning
  • Collaborative group work
  • Digital literacy development
Key Principles
  • Scaffolded progression from technical access to cognitive development
  • The necessity of social interaction as a prerequisite for deep learning
  • The central role of the e-moderator in facilitating rather than lecturing
  • Activity-led learning through structured e-tivities
Watch Out For
  • Requires consistent and active moderation to prevent participant drop-off
  • Learners cannot skip stages; social cohesion must be established before complex knowledge construction can occur
  • Technical barriers in Stage 1 must be resolved quickly to maintain motivation
Related Frameworks
Other Facilitation frameworks you might find useful
PreMortem Method of Risk AssessmentThe PreMortem is a strategic foresight technique that tasks a team with imagining a future where their proposed plan has failed spectacularly. By working backward from this hypothetical failure, the group identifies hidden risks and vulnerabilities that are often overlooked during the optimistic planning phase.
Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)A rapid, structured decision-making framework designed to replace open-ended brainstorming with a disciplined process. It moves teams from problem identification to actionable solutions by minimizing circular discussion and maximizing individual contribution.
World CaféRotating small group discussions