Chapter 6 Group Discussion

1. Chapter 6
Group Discussion
Developing the Right Attitude for
Group Work

2. The Right Attitude for
Group Work
What is the definition of “discussion”?

3. The Right Attitude for
Group Work
Discussion is a cooperative exchange of
information, opinions and ideas.

4. Define the difference between
cooperative manner rather than a
competitive manner.

5. The difference between cooperative
manner rather than a competitive
manner is…
This is not a debate
Working towards same
goal

6. How can you be
successful in a group?

7. How to be successful
in a group
 Be patient.
 You can't just let
things happen -
you have to
participate.
 Be committed
to listen,
think
and reason with
others.

8. What are the three kinds of
Discussion Formats?

9. Panel Discussion
 Relatively informal
 Members face the audience,
but talk to each other
 An open forum may follow;
members invite questions or
direct questions
 A special kind of panel is a round
table
3 to 8 people
sit around a table and discussion
suggestions

10. Symposium
 More formal
 Present opposing points of view
 Experts deliver short speeches
on a specific topic
 Discussion leader
Introduces each
Gives a brief statement at end of
each presentation to link together
At end of session, directs an
questions and answers

11. Dates back to the
colonies
At that time a vote
was taken after the
town discussion
Today used by TV
where people in the
audience and at home
speak their minds and
ask experts questions
Town Hall Meeting

12. What are Factors of a
Successful Meeting?

13. Factors for Success
 Group size - 5 to 7 ideal
 Diversity
 Everyone needed
 Seating Arrangements
 Circle
 Enough space
 Cohesion
 Need to respect each other
 Have unified goal

14. Group Problem Solving
 John Dewey
 Philosopher and educator
 Thought groups should cultivate vital habits of
democracy
 Stick to a Pattern
 Discussions should follow a logical, sequential flow
 Six main steps

15. 1. Define the Problem.
Understand it
Limit the problem
Record what you have
decided

16. 2. Establish Criteria for
Workable Solution.
Determine set of standards for a solution
to meet

17. 3. Analyze the Problem.
Break the problem down

18. 4. Suggest Possible
Solutions.
Brainstorm
Write down everything
Don't cut off discussion

19. 5. Evaluate Each Solution
and Select the Best.
Make careful comparison of
each potential solution.
How does it match the criteria?

20. 6. Suggest way for Testing.
Find a way to test it out.
Make sure the solution is practical.

21. Managing Conflict
What is constructive conflict?

22. Managing Conflict
Constructive conflict is using ideas to
make suggestions better.

23. Managing Conflict
What is disruptive conflict?

24. Managing Conflict
Disruptive Conflict is…
 Polarizing
 Nitpickers
 Eager beavers
 Fence sitters
 Wisecrackers
 Superior Beings
 Dominators

25. How to Contribute
 Be clear and simple. Reinforce what you say
with looks and gestures
 Encourage members to react to your ideas
"Was that clear?" or "Do you have any questions?"
 Be interesting
 Be animated
 Offer reasons for what you say
 Think before you speak
 Actively listen
 Prepare for the Discussion

26. What a Leader Should
Know
How to run a meeting
The people in the group
The issues the group will discuss

27. The leader should be the
moderator.
 Gets the meeting started
 Sets the agenda
Ask the group to recall information on the business at
hand - Questions of fact
Ask them to give opinions on what the information
means - Questions of Interpretation
Ask members to agree or disagree on possible solutions -
Questions of evaluation

28. Leaders anticipate
questions.
Know that good questions of
interpretation
 Contain doubt
 Can be answered
 Likely will interest the group

29. Leaders Keep the
Discussion Going.
Set an Example
Close the Discussion
Seek Consensus
Handle problem members

30. Name types of Problem
Members

31. Types of Problem
Members
Monopolizers - They interrupt, ramble and repeat.
 Don't argue, but confront them
 Invite others to comment
Distracters - They seek attention, and to get it, they will
bring up irrelevant topics.
 Restate the meeting's purpose ask specific questions
Skeptics - They find fault with everything.
 Have a friendly talk with them before the meeting
 If that doesn't work cut them off with "We want solutions, not
criticism”

32. Recalling the Facts
 What is group discussion?
 Why is group discussion so valuable?
 What are the types of public group forms?
 What is the size of the ideal group?
 Who is John Dewey and what did he do?
 How should differences in a group be treated?
 Is conflict helpful or harmful?
 Active listeners watch and talk when….
 Why do all groups need a leader?
 What does a leader do at the meeting?
 What does groupthink do to a group?
Look back on page166 of textbook

33. Vocabulary
 Discussion
 Cooperative
 Competitive
 Panel
 Forum
 Round table
 Town hall meeting
 Cohesion
 Criteria
 brainstorming
 Constructive conflict
 Disruptive conflict
 Moderator
 Questions of fact
 Questions of
interpretation
 Questions of evaluation
 Consensus
 Groupthink
Speech terms on Page 141