small groups & effective discussions
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Small Groups & Effective Discussions. Scott Grogan Shawn Alderman Faculty Development Fellows. Objectives. Reviewed levels of cognitive learning Discussed strengths and weakness of leading discussions Identified methods for leading small group discussions - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Small Groups & Effective Discussions
Scott Grogan
Shawn Alderman
Faculty Development Fellows
Objectives• Reviewed levels of cognitive learning
• Discussed strengths and weakness of leading discussions
• Identified methods for leading small group discussions
• Practiced leading small group discussions
Take Home Points
• Prior planning prevents …• Keep it Safe• Manage personalities
Levels of Learning • Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Application
• Analysis
• Synthesis
• Evaluation
Unconsciously Unaware
Consciously Unaware
Consciously Aware
Unconsciously Aware
Activity OneLearner
Educator
Strengths of Discussions
• Encourages active participation
• Provides immediate feedback
• Develops higher order cognitive skills
• Develops interests and values
• Changes attitudes
Weaknesses of Discussions
• May be difficult to get participation
• Time consuming
• Not ideal for large amounts of info
• Requires more forethought/planning
Opportunities
• Evaluate skill in speech & discussion
• Evaluate problem solving skills
• Stimulates thought, reflection, & understanding
• Promotes safety
Threats
• Instructor has less control
• Poor preparation
• The over-participator
• The under participator
When are small groups effective?
• Size
• Planned
• Unplanned
Steps in Leading Effective Group Discussions
1. Prepare for the discussion
2. Getting the discussion started
3. Managing the group process
4. Concluding a discussion
Prepare for the Discussion
• Needs assessment • Set objectives • Determine
– Material– Discussion format– Group size – Setting
Getting Started
• Introduce the topic
• State the objectives
• Create the agenda
• Establish ground rules
Creating Safety• Model Mutual Respect
• Not essential to control every input
• Intervene when necessary
Managing the Group Process
• Exhibit enthusiasm • Encourage active participation • Keep group on track • Summarize key ideas periodically • Instructor's primary role is facilitator
Sustaining the Discussion
Ask the right questions…
• Convergent
• Divergent
• Open
• Probing
Dynamics of Questioning
• Timing of questions
• Maintain eye contact
• Controlling excessive talkers
• Solicit responses from the non‑talkers
Nonproductive Behaviors
• The Rescuer
• (Hector) the projector
• The Apologizer
• The Space cadet
• The Withdrawer
• The Monopolizer
Assessing the Learner
• Level of knowledge
• Ability to apply knowledge
• Problem solving ability
• Attitudes
Concluding a Discussion
• Summarize key concepts without introducing new material
• Provide closure
• Stimulate further thought
Group Discussion One
• Pick a discussion leader
• Pick a card
• Lead the discussion!
How did it go?
• What did you see happening?
• Why?
• What could be done differently?
Group Discussion Two
• Pick a new discussion leader
• Leader picks a new card
• Lead the discussion!
How did it go?
• What did you see happening?
• Why?
• What was different?
Take Home Points
What next?
• In what situations will you apply this?
• How will you succeed in your next discussion?