Techniques of leading group discussion.ppt
- 1. Techniques For Leading Group Discussions
- 2. What is an effective group discussion? An effective group discussion is one in which the group is able to accomplish its purpose or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members.
- 3. The elements of an effective group discussion: • All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts. • All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly. • Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed.
- 4. The elements of an effective group discussion (cont.): • Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. • A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed. • The discussion is not dominated by any one person.
- 5. The elements of an effective group discussion (cont.): • Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities. • Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find a precept or set of precepts all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on.
- 6. Possible uses for a group discussion: • Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. • Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations. • Discuss and/or analyze an issue. • Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. • Discuss policy and policy change.
- 7. Possible uses for a group discussion (cont.): • Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. • Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. • Decide on an action. • Provide mutual support. • Solve a problem. • Resolve a conflict. • Plan your work or an event.
- 8. Why should you lead a group discussion? • A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice. • A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be expressed and discussed. • Group discussion is generally a democratic, egalitarian process. • A group discussion leads to group ownership of whatever conclusions, plans, or action the group decides upon.
- 9. Why should you lead a group discussion? (cont.) • An effective group discussion encourages those who might normally be reluctant to speak their minds. • Group discussions can often open communication channels among people who might not communicate in any other way. • In some cases, a group discussion is simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed
- 10. You might lead a group discussion because: • It’s part of your job. • You’ve been asked to. • A discussion is necessary, and you have the skills to lead it. • It was your idea in the first place.
- 11. Some people who might find themselves leading a group discussion: • Directors of organizations • Public officials • Coalition coordinators • Professionals with group-leading skills • Teachers • Health professionals and health educators • Respected community members • Community activists
- 12. When might you lead a group discussion? • At the start of something new. • When an issue can no longer be ignored. • When groups need to be brought together. • When an existing group is considering its next step or seeking to address an issue of importance to it.
- 13. How do you lead a group discussion? If you have the opportunity to prepare beforehand: • Choose the space. • Provide food and drink. • Bring materials to help the discussion along. • Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. • Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material in plenty of time to study it well beforehand.
- 14. General guidelines: • Think about leadership style. • Put people at ease. • Help the group develop ground rules. • Generate an agenda or goals for the discussion.
- 15. Lead the discussion: • Set the topic. • Foster the open process. • Involve all participants. • Ask questions or provide information to move the discussion. • Summarize and/or clarify important points and conclusions. • Wrap up the session. • Follow-up if necessary
- 16. Do’s for discussion leaders: • Model the behavior and attitudes you want group members to employ. • Use encouraging body language and tone of voice, as well as words. • Give positive feedback for joining the discussion. • Be aware of people’s reactions and feelings, and try to respond appropriately.
- 17. More Do’s for discussion leaders: • Ask open-ended questions. • Control your own biases. • Encourage disagreement, and help the group use it creatively. • Be a recorder if necessary. • Keep your mouth shut as much as possible.
- 18. Don’ts for discussion leaders: • Don’t let one or a small group of individuals dominate the discussion. • Don’t let one point of view override others. • Don’t assume that anyone holds particular opinions or positions because of his culture, background, race, personal style, etc. • By the same token, don’t assume that someone from a particular culture, race, or background speaks for everyone else from that situation. • Don’t be the font of all wisdom.