EFFECTIVE GROUP DISCUSSION Keyword: Effective
GROUP DISCUSSION OBJECTIVES Cooperative attitudes are necessary for group discussion Describe the major kinds of group discussions Discuss the factors that determine successful group discussions Identify the steps of problem solving
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INTRODUCTION We do some things better by ourselves, but there are many things we do better if we work together. Groups are important because their decisions hold more weight than an individual A strong group goal can help you overcome a reluctance to work with someone else Group work helps break down barriers that we have built up because of separation of the races, the generations, ethnicities and genders
WORKING TOGETHER MAKES SENSE We develop our self-identities according to groups we are a part of Discussion- a cooperative exchange of ideas One of the best ways we have to solve problems The Right Attitude Cooperative rather than competitive A discussion is not a debate, but an encouragement for others It requires a lot of patience The people who do most of the talking often have the least to say Everyone should be heard It is the basis of democracy- sometimes we don t get our way and that s okay
NO SLACKERS! If you let the other people do the work, then you bring down the entire discussion We have group work in school because businesses have emphasized it as something that should be taught in schools
DISCUSSION FORMATS Panel Discussion: Informal discussion in front of an audience An open forum may follow where the audience asks questions A Round Table is a special panel in business and news Symposium: Presents opposing views Usually two or more experts give formal speeches (e.g. if we were to add a building, an architect, city planner, finance director, and member of administration might speak) Town Hall: Dates back to the colonies when it was hard to get issues out People would gather, discuss, and then vote
FACTORS FOR SUCCESS Group size: larger groups are harder to manage (each has less opportunity to speak) Seating arrangement: the most eye contact makes for better discussion Cohesion: respect for one another working toward a common goal Success builds success
PROBLEM SOLVING Stick to a discussion pattern: John Dewey s system for Discussion 1. Define the problem 2. Establish criteria/goals for a workable solution (things that must happen) 3. Analyze the problem: break the problem down into chunksfind the root of the problem 4. Suggest solutions: brainstorming in rapid fire 5. Evaluate the suggestions and select the best one 6. Discuss and decide on how you are going to carry it out
TAKING CRITICISM Put your shield up Be a coffee filter Be a detective Say, you re right
CONFLICT Some conflict is good- it lends good ideas: we call this constructive conflict Disruptive conflict is bad- it interrupts the process of finding solutions Nitpickers: want everything their way down to the tiny details Let them talk and set time limits for complaints Eager Beavers: offer suggestions without thinking things through Ask questions and give them a constructive task Fence Sitters: wait to make sure they are on the right side Take turns talking and make sure everyone says something Wisecrackers: these people just want attention and to divert the group from the actual task These are the most irritating and often get kicked out of groups Pick up the pace of the discussion Superior Beings: don t want to be in the group in the first place Make them feel needed Dominators: never stop talking- make them recorders or set timers
CONTRIBUTING Participate Listen Prepare 1. Be clear 2. Ask questions 3. Be enthusiastic 4. Offer reasons for your opinion 5. Think before speaking Designate a leader 1. They should know how to run a meeting 2. Know all of the people in the group 3. Know the issues up for discussion 4. Act as the moderator
THE GROUP MODERATOR Open the discussion, keep it moving, effectively close discussion Discussion questions: should contain doubt, be answerable, be on topic Questions of fact Questions of interpretation Questions of evaluation Make eye-contact with the speaker Let the conversation flow without one monopolizer Provide paraphrasing Provide encouragement (that s a good point) Close the discussion Find the consensus but be wary of group think
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