No doubt learning is a subject that has been addressed by many books and workshops, with the core interest mostly revolving around the content and how to make it unique, relevant, concise, etc. Other books and courses would rather introduce new/creative techniques for better engaging or getting the best of the training. So where does this book stand? This book stands in the learner's shoes! It is standing as a cornerstone for a different approach, having an eye for every detail that might reflect on the learner's experience; hence the name, "Learner eXperience Facilitation". Who is this book for? This book is for learning facilitators and designers, so to get introduced to a new perspective and to learn new framework where the learner is the center of the whole process. This is considered a sound tool for professionals who work hard to leave an impact through trainings and face to face learning sessions. It targets both independent professionals and those working for specific organizations, teachers and education professionals. This book introduces FIRST framework, research based framework, which is holistic and backed by theories from different basic sciences like, educational psychology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, design thinking; among others. These disciplines are combined together so to create an engaging framework; leading to creating positive Active Deep learner experience, and hence, positive change in mindset and behaviors. If you are a learning facilitator and you feel the need of a creative and innovative framework to highly influence trainees, then this book is for you; through which you add the active deep learning techniques to your facilitation style. FIRST framework This book introduces FIRST framework, which includes five main domains, and 15 principles. These principles act together and integrate together; creating the Active Deep Learner eXperience. FIRST framework is a holistic one; it is based on other models and theories, such as: experiential learning by Kolb and John Dewey; cooperative learning by Kagan; Carl Rogers' facilitation skills, Roy's 6Ds and learning transfer; as well as positive psychology principles. FIRST is also inspired by the spirit of group coaching, which aims at promoting deep change and is focused on the future. It is a scientific and research based framework, developed through our experience in learning and development field; as well as measuring the impact of implementing the model via SeGa or our learners. FIRST framework is not only aiming to create active learning experience, it also targets transforming learning into performance, because incorporating both active and deep strategies creates engagement and impact. The five domains of FIRST act as layers each of them build on the previous domain and add to it, all the principles integrate with each other to form the active deep learner experience. "The end result is a proven, practical, and priceless model with five domains and fifteen principles that you can use yourself in staging active deep learning experiences." B. Joseph Pine II. Author, The Experience Economy. "FIRST framework provides important insights, principles, and practical advice for doing so a travel guide, if you will, that will help you on your own learning journey and those on which you lead others." Roy V.H. Pollock, DVM, PhD. Author, The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning
About the Author: Mohamed Bahgat originally studied Systems Engineering and graduated in 1998. He broadened his studies by studying Business Management starting of 2002. Afterwards, he finished 2 diplomas in Education and Psychology Counseling. Bahgat comes with 20 years of experience in the informal education field, and has been providing training, human development, coaching and consulting for the past 15 years to regional and international organizations; giving him international exposure and allowing him to work with more than 25 different nationalities worldwide. In 2011, Bahgat founded SeGa Group, a US established R&D talent development consultancy focusing on the area of the Middle East, Africa and Asia. SeGa Group works in 3 sectors: corporate, community and education. Its mission is to "develop human developers" in 2 areas of expertise "Active Deep Learning", and "Performance Coaching". In 2015, SeGa Group became a member of ACTO, Association of Coach Training Organization. In the last 10 years, Bahgat worked extensively on earning a number of professional certificates in the L&D field. He is an ATD (Association of Talent Development) accredited facilitator in the Coaching Certificate. He is the only person in the Middle East to be certified by NASAGA (North America Simulation and Gaming Association) in educational game design. Additionally, Bahgat is a Gallup certified strengths coach. He also received the Certification of Sententia Gamification for talent development level 2 and eligible to certify others on level 1 as well. He is a 6DS certified facilitator. Another dimension for Bahgat's global contribution is his presence as a presenter and a facilitator in a number of global events. To name a few, he was chosen for ATD Middle east chairmanship in May 2016. He presented a session in ATD 2017 international conference and expo; the session was titled "FIRST LXF"; as well as contributing in a panel about training trends in the same conference. He also presented a session in ACTO conference back in June 2016.