Chapter 6Chapter 6

Group DiscussionGroup DiscussionDeveloping the Right Attitude for

Group Work

The Right Attitude for The Right Attitude for Group WorkGroup Work

What is the definition of “discussion”?

The Right Attitude for The Right Attitude for Group WorkGroup Work

Discussion is a cooperative exchange of information, opinions and ideas.

Define the difference between Define the difference between cooperativecooperative manner rather than a manner rather than a

competitivecompetitive manner. manner.

The difference between The difference between cooperativecooperative manner rather than a manner rather than a competitivecompetitive

manner is…manner is…

This is not a debate Working towards same

goal

How can you be How can you be successful in a group?successful in a group?

How to be successful How to be successful in a groupin a group

Be patient. You can't just let

things happen - you have to participate.

Be committed to listen, think and reason with others.

What are the three kinds of What are the three kinds of Discussion Formats?Discussion Formats?

Panel DiscussionPanel 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

SymposiumSymposium More formal Present opposing points of view Experts deliver short speeches

on a specific topic Discussion leader

Introduces eachGives a brief statement at end of

each presentation to link togetherAt end of session, directs an

questions and answers

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 MeetingTown Hall Meeting

What are Factors of a What are Factors of a Successful Meeting?Successful Meeting?

Factors for SuccessFactors 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

Group Problem SolvingGroup 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

1. Define the Problem.1. Define the Problem.

Understand it Limit the problem Record what you have

decided

2. Establish Criteria for 2. Establish Criteria for Workable Solution.Workable Solution.

Determine set of standards for a solution to meet

3. Analyze the Problem.3. Analyze the Problem.

Break the problem down

4. Suggest Possible 4. Suggest Possible Solutions.Solutions.

Brainstorm Write down everything Don't cut off discussion

5. Evaluate Each Solution 5. Evaluate Each Solution and Select the Best. and Select the Best.

Make careful comparison of each potential solution.

How does it match the criteria?

6. Suggest way for Testing.6. Suggest way for Testing.

Find a way to test it out. Make sure the solution is practical.

Managing ConflictManaging Conflict

What is constructive conflict?

Managing ConflictManaging Conflict

Constructive conflict is using ideas to make suggestions better.

Managing ConflictManaging Conflict

What is disruptive conflict?

Managing ConflictManaging Conflict

Disruptive Conflict is… Polarizing Nitpickers Eager beavers Fence sitters Wisecrackers Superior Beings Dominators

How to ContributeHow 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

What a Leader Should What a Leader Should KnowKnow

How to run a meeting The people in the group The issues the group will discuss

The leader should be the The leader should be the moderator.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

Leaders anticipate Leaders anticipate questions.questions.

Know that good questions of interpretation Contain doubt Can be answered Likely will interest the group

Leaders Keep the Leaders Keep the Discussion Going.Discussion Going.

Set an Example Close the Discussion Seek Consensus Handle problem members

Name types of Problem Name types of Problem MembersMembers

Types of Problem Types of Problem MembersMembers

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”

Recalling the FactsRecalling 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

VocabularyVocabulary

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