GROUP
DISCUSSION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Definition
Purposes
Guidelines
Do's and Don'ts
Rules
Advantages and Disadvantages
Forms
INTRODUCTION
A group discussion is a method of discussion in
which a group of individuals with similar interests
gather either formally or informally to bring up
ideas, solve problems, with a genuine desire to
reach a decision.
DEFINITION
Group discussion is defined as a
discussion among a group of 8 to
12 members who express their
views freely, frankly and friendly
manner on a current issue within
20 to 30 minutes.
PURPOSES
• Opportunity to share information.
• Acquire and share knowledge to achieve specific
educational objectives.
• Develops skill of group development & group
socialization under leadership
• Variety of information learned in a short time
GUIDELINES
Adequate and effective planning of topic , objectives to be
achieved and environment for group discussion.
Provide plenty of time and motivation to students for
preparation on topic of discussion.
Group leader and each member should be well aware of
their moral and professional responsibilities.
Teacher assumes the role of mentor & leader, and the
students are facilitated to share their viewpoint.
One student from the group records the proceedings of
discussion.
Teacher clarifies doubt when required.
Teacher summarizes the discussion & concludes with
comprehensive note of carry home messages.
DO’S & DON’TS
DO’S DON’TS
• Appropriate to the issue. • Being shy/nervous/keeping isolated
from group.
• Original points with substantial
reasoning.
• Interrupting another participant
• Have logical flow and validate with before his arguments are over.
examples.
• Making fun of any participant even if
• Make only accurate statements.
his arguments are funny.
• Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.
• Engaging in sub-group conversation.
• Talk with confidence and self assurance.
RULES
• The ideas and views expressed should be clear and concise.
• The members have to listen to each other, what is discussed
among them.
• There should not be any interruption when the group member
is discussing or speaking.
• Each member should accept the criticism gracefully if done by
a member.
ADVANTAGES &
DISADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGE
ADVANTAGES
S
• Active student participation • Time consuming
• Develop problem-solving skills. • Lack of equal participation
• Empower group members
• Restricts the size of group
• Opportunity to express opinions.
• Develop social skills and sense of • Requires highly skilled instructor
teamwork
• Requires preparation by students
• Utilize student knowledge and
experience.
• Limits content
FORMS OF
DISCUSSION
1. Class discussion
• Teacher selects the discussion method
• Teacher acts a leader, and introduces, guides, leads
discussion, write main points on whiteboard, and
summarizes topic by group
• It is a learning experience for students on how to
discuss
2. Group discussion (6-20
participants)
• Teacher divides class into groups.
• Each group should appoint its own leader and
recorder
• Teacher introduces the topic, help students to
organize groups, support them as needed, take
reports on allocated time, lead discussion and make
points
3. Panel discussion
• It is a group of discussion of 4-8 speakers.
• It is more formal than class discussion and less
formal than a lecture.
• The Chairperson introduces the members/ speakers,
introduces the topic, allows the first person to speak
and initiates the discussion, summarizes and
concludes discussion
4. Teacher-student conference
• It is method of teaching, between the teacher and a
small group of students to discuss a problem or
selected situation, or before or after a visit.
• It is a private exchange of ideas and information to
help students function in professional settings.
CONCLUSION
Group discussion is the communication
situation that allow participants to
share their views opinions with other
participants. Learners interact face to
face to achieve specific educational
objectives. Common forms are panel
discussion, conference, classroom
discussion etc.
