Small Groups & Effective Discussions
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
Small Groups & Effective Discussions
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Presentation Transcript
Small Groups & Effective Discussions Scott Grogan Shawn Alderman Faculty Development Fellows
Objectives • Reviewed levels of cognitive learning • Discussed strengths and weakness of leading discussions • Identifiedmethods for leading small group discussions • Practiced leading small group discussions
Take Home Points • Prior planning prevents … • Keep it Safe • Manage personalities
Unconsciously Unaware • Consciously Unaware • Consciously Aware • UnconsciouslyAware Levels of Learning • Knowledge • Comprehension • Application • Analysis • Synthesis • Evaluation
ActivityOne Learner 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 ofinfo • Requires more forethought/planning
Opportunities • Evaluate skill in speech & discussion • Evaluateproblem 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 • Prepare for the discussion • Getting the discussion started • Managing the group process • 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 ofQuestioning • 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 • TheWithdrawer • TheMonopolizer
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?
What next? • In what situations will you apply this? • How will you succeed in your next discussion?