Group discussions differ from formal meetings in several ways. They may not have specific goals, are less formal with no set structure or agenda, and emphasize open consideration of ideas rather than accomplishing set tasks. Leading a group discussion is more like facilitating an exchange of knowledge than directing a meeting. Effective discussions allow all members to speak and be heard, consider a variety of perspectives without domination by any one person, and work together constructively even when disagreeing. The ground rules help ensure respect among participants and an open exchange of ideas.
Group discussions differ from formal meetings in several ways. They may not have specific goals, are less formal with no set structure or agenda, and emphasize open consideration of ideas rather than accomplishing set tasks. Leading a group discussion is more like facilitating an exchange of knowledge than directing a meeting. Effective discussions allow all members to speak and be heard, consider a variety of perspectives without domination by any one person, and work together constructively even when disagreeing. The ground rules help ensure respect among participants and an open exchange of ideas.
Group discussions differ from formal meetings in several ways. They may not have specific goals, are less formal with no set structure or agenda, and emphasize open consideration of ideas rather than accomplishing set tasks. Leading a group discussion is more like facilitating an exchange of knowledge than directing a meeting. Effective discussions allow all members to speak and be heard, consider a variety of perspectives without domination by any one person, and work together constructively even when disagreeing. The ground rules help ensure respect among participants and an open exchange of ideas.
Group discussions differ from formal meetings in several ways. They may not have specific goals, are less formal with no set structure or agenda, and emphasize open consideration of ideas rather than accomplishing set tasks. Leading a group discussion is more like facilitating an exchange of knowledge than directing a meeting. Effective discussions allow all members to speak and be heard, consider a variety of perspectives without domination by any one person, and work together constructively even when disagreeing. The ground rules help ensure respect among participants and an open exchange of ideas.
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Group Discussions
Group Discussion: Introduction
A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: – It may not have a specific goal – It’s less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. – Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. – It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself). – Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. It’s much closer to acting as a facilitator.
Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; an argument an exchange of
ignorance. Robert Quillen Group Discussions • A formal discussion which involves 6 to 15 participants who sit in a group to discuss a topic or a case given for a purpose.
• Any participant can change his/her stand if
he/she find her/himself convinced about the other side of the perspective. (Not the case with Debate) Elements of an Effective GD An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: I. All members of the group have a chance to speak II. All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly III. Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed IV. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. V. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed VI. The discussion is not dominated by any one person VII.Arguments, while they may be dynamic, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities VIII.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 principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion Purposes for a group discussion There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: 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, with no specific goal in mind but understanding Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Discuss policy and policy change Concerns and differences among individuals or groups Decide on an action Solve a problem or Resolve a conflict Plan your work or an event The ground rules of a group discussion Everyone should treat everyone else with respect: no name-calling, no emotional outbursts. No arguments directed at people – only at ideas and opinions. Disagreement should be respectful – not rudely. Don’t interrupt. Listen to the whole of others’ thoughts – actually listen, rather than just running over your own response in your head. Respect the group’s time. Try to keep your comments reasonably short and to the point, so that others have a chance to respond. Consider all comments seriously, and try to evaluate them fairly. Others’ ideas and comments may change your mind, or vice versa: it’s important to be open to that. Don’t be defensive if someone disagrees with you. Evaluate both positions, and only continue to argue for yours if you continue to believe it’s right. Everyone is responsible for following and upholding the ground rules. The ground rules of a group discussion Contd... Being Friendly and approachable Encouraging participation i.e. Promote co- operative environment Not hurting anyone Not being dominative Avoiding emotions Avoiding peer discussion Leadership How do you lead a group discussion? • Think about leadership style (directive or non-directive leader) • Put people at ease • Help the group establish ground rules (discussed in previous slide) • Generate an agenda or goals for the session • Lead the discussion (like : Setting the topic, Fostering the open process, Involving all participants, Asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion, Summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, or ideas, Wrapping up the session) • Follow-up DO’S and DON’TS For group discussion DO’S: 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. Ask open-ended questions, and Control your own biases. Encourage disagreement, and help the group use it creatively. DON’TS Don’t let one or a small group of individuals dominate the discussion. Don’t let one point of view override others, unless it’s based on facts and logic, and is actually convincing group members to change their minds. Don’t assume that anyone holds particular opinions or positions because of his culture, background, race, personal style, etc. Don’t assume that someone from a particular culture, race, or background speaks for everyone else from that situation. General Rules for GD Rule 1: Prepare Rule 2: Know the Participants Rule 3: Take Care of your Posture Rule 4: Take Charge Rule 5: Retain Your Balance Rule 6: Follow up Types of Group Discussions 1. Topic Based Group Discussions, a) Factual Topics (Eg: Social issues in India, Higher Education in India etc.) b) Abstract Topics (Eg: Money makes you Poor, Blue is better than Green etc.) c) Controversial Topics (Eg: Reservation should be abolished in India, Women are unfit for Defence Services etc.)
2. Case-Based Group Discussions, which present the group with
a complex business situation that requires a decision to be made. The evaluation criteria in a GD • Individual qualities – Content, awareness, openness, motivation, initative – Analytical Skills – Reasoning Skills – Organization Skills – Communication Skills – Creativity • Groups Skills – Listening skills – Leadership quality – Body language – Group behavior GD The COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on Global Economy