17 Instructional Facilitator Interview Questions and Answers

Instructional facilitators work in a variety of settings, such as schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, to develop and deliver training programs. They may also be called upon to assess the effectiveness of training programs and provide feedback to the designers of those programs.

If you’re hoping to work as an instructional facilitator, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. During the interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience in training and development, as well as your ability to assess and deliver training programs.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve put together a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to build your own responses.

Are you familiar with the learning styles model? Can you describe it to me?

The learning styles model is a framework that describes how people learn best. The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you are familiar with the learning styles model and whether you can apply it in your work as an instructional facilitator. If you have experience using the learning styles model, share examples of how you used it to help students succeed.

Example: “I am very familiar with the learning styles model because I use it regularly when working with students. For example, last year I had a student who was struggling in my class. After observing him for a few days, I realized he was more successful when I spoke to him one-on-one rather than in front of the whole class. So, I started giving him extra attention during class time to help him understand the material better. He ended up getting an A on his next test.”

What are some of the most effective strategies you use to engage students in the learning process?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you engage students in the learning process. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few strategies that have worked well for you in the past and explain why they were effective.

Example: “I find that using technology is one of the most effective ways to keep students engaged in the learning process. I use an interactive whiteboard during my lessons so students can see what I’m writing and follow along with me as I teach. This helps them stay focused on the lesson and provides them with additional resources if they need help understanding something.”

How would you handle a situation where a student is being disruptive in class?

Interviewers want to know how you handle challenging situations and maintain control of the classroom. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to remain calm under pressure and commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for students.

Example: “I would first try to resolve the situation by speaking with the student privately. If they continue to be disruptive in class, I would call their parents into school to discuss the issue. In this case, I would also speak with my principal about what happened so we could develop a plan to prevent future disruptions. I believe it’s important to take disciplinary action when necessary to ensure that all students can learn without disruption.”

What is your experience with using technology in the classroom?

Technology is an important part of the modern classroom, and employers want to know that you have experience using it effectively. In your answer, describe a time when you used technology in the classroom to help students learn something new or improve their skills.

Example: “I’ve been teaching for five years now, and I always make sure my students are comfortable with technology before we start using it in class. For example, last year I had a student who was struggling with typing on his keyboard. We practiced typing together until he got better at it, and then I started incorporating typing into our lessons. He ended up being one of the best typists in the class by the end of the year.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a student overcome an obstacle in their learning.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you interact with students. They want to know that you’re willing to help a student who is struggling, even if it’s not their fault.

Example: “I once had a student who was very bright but struggled in math class. He would often get frustrated when he couldn’t solve problems on his own and would give up before asking for help. I noticed this pattern and decided to spend extra time after school helping him work through the problem until he understood it. After several weeks of tutoring, he started doing better in class and eventually became one of the top students in the class.”

If a student is struggling in your class, what would be your first course of action?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle students who are struggling in your class. It can also show them what methods you use to help students succeed and learn. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you helped a student overcome challenges or improve their performance.

Example: “If I noticed that a student was having trouble with the material, my first course of action would be to meet with them one-on-one to discuss their progress. I would ask them questions about the material they’re learning and try to determine where they may be confused. Then, I would explain the concept to them using different examples and analogies until they understood.”

What would you do if you were assigned a student who was at a beginner level, but you had previously taught all of your classes at an intermediate level?

This question can help interviewers understand how you adapt to new situations and challenges. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, flexibility and willingness to learn from others.

Example: “I would first ask my supervisor if there were any other instructors who could teach the beginner class while I taught the intermediate one. If not, I would try to find a way to incorporate more basic lessons into my existing curriculum so that I could continue teaching at an intermediate level. I would also make sure to provide extra support for students in both classes by providing additional resources or time for them to practice.”

How well do you handle stress while teaching?

Instructors often face challenges in the classroom, and employers want to know how you handle these situations. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I have a few strategies that help me manage stress while teaching. First, I take a deep breath before entering the classroom so I can relax my body and mind. Then, I try to focus on one student at a time when they need extra attention. This helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed by multiple students who may be asking for help at once. Finally, I make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day so I can recharge myself.”

Do you have any experience leading group activities in the classroom?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with group work and how you manage students in a classroom setting. When answering, it can be helpful to mention any specific skills or techniques you use when facilitating group activities.

Example: “In my previous role as an instructional facilitator, I led many different types of group activities in the classroom. One of my favorite ways to lead group projects is by using cooperative learning strategies. This allows me to divide students into groups based on their skill level and have them complete tasks together that are challenging but also achievable. It’s important for me to make sure all students feel included and supported during these activities.”

When teaching a lesson, do you prefer to lead from the front or the back?

This question can help interviewers understand your teaching style and how you interact with students. Your answer should show that you are a strong communicator who is comfortable interacting with students in both ways.

Example: “I believe it’s important to lead from the front when I’m teaching, but I also like to get up close and personal with my students. For example, if I am explaining something on the board, I will walk around the classroom so that everyone has an opportunity to see what I’m writing. However, I also like to move to the back of the room and allow students to ask questions or clarify concepts as they arise.”

We want to encourage our students to pursue their passions and help them find their own paths. How would you do this in your classroom?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and helping students. It also shows the interviewer how you plan lessons that are engaging and interesting for students. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of a lesson or project that helped you pursue your own passions.

Example: “I believe that every student has something they’re passionate about. I try to find ways to incorporate their interests into our curriculum so they can learn more about what they love. For example, one of my students was really interested in animals. We started doing research on different types of animals and eventually created a zoo-themed unit where we learned about habitats, food chains and ecosystems.”

Describe your teaching philosophy.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan lessons. They want to know if your approach aligns with their school’s philosophy, so they can decide whether you would be a good fit for the job. When answering this question, describe what makes you passionate about teaching and what you believe is most important in the classroom.

Example: “I believe that every student has unique learning needs, so I always try to create lesson plans that cater to each individual. For example, when planning a unit on animals, I might have one activity where students draw pictures of different types of animals and another where they write facts about their favorite animal. This way, all students get the opportunity to practice writing and drawing while also getting the information they need.”

What makes you the best candidate for this teaching position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want to know what makes you stand out from other candidates and how you can contribute to their school or district. Before your interview, make a list of all your relevant skills and experiences that relate to this position. Think about which ones are most important for this role and highlight them in your answer.

Example: “I am passionate about education and committed to helping students succeed. I have been teaching for five years now, and my previous experience has taught me many valuable lessons. I feel confident that I can use these lessons to help your students achieve their goals. I also understand the importance of collaboration and communication with parents and teachers. I would love to be part of your team.”

Which teaching methods do you prefer to avoid?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and preferences. They want to know if you prefer hands-on learning, group projects or other methods that they might use in their school. In your answer, explain which methods you’ve used in the past and why you preferred them over others.

Example: “I find that I’m most effective when I can work one-on-one with students. When I have a lot of students who need help at once, it’s hard for me to give each student the attention they deserve. I also don’t like using technology as much as some other teachers because I feel like it takes away from valuable lessons. However, I do understand that there are times when technology is necessary.”

What do you think is the most important skill for an instructional facilitator to possess?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your work.

Example: “I think the most important skill an instructional facilitator needs is communication. This person must be able to communicate effectively with teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders. I have always been passionate about teaching others, so I am comfortable speaking in front of large groups. In my previous roles, I used my public speaking skills to help teachers understand new curriculum or explain concepts to students.”

How often do you update your lesson plans?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how often you update your lesson plans and adapt them to the needs of students. They want to know that you’re willing to make changes as needed, especially if they need someone who can work independently without much supervision. In your answer, explain what factors influence your decision to change a plan and give an example of when you’ve done so in the past.

Example: “I usually update my lesson plans every two weeks or at the beginning of each month. I do this because it gives me enough time to assess student progress and determine whether any changes are necessary. For instance, last year I had a student who was struggling with one concept but excelling in others. I adjusted my lesson plan to focus more on the concepts he struggled with while continuing to cover the material he already knew.”

There is a bug in the software you planned to use for a lesson. How do you handle this situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle unexpected challenges in the classroom. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Example: “If there is a bug in the software I planned to use for a lesson, I would first try to find an alternative way to teach the same material. If this isn’t possible, I would contact my supervisor or other members of the IT department to see if they have any solutions. If not, I would ask students to work on another activity while I wait for a solution.”