In this method of training two or more participants converse or engage in meaningful deliberations about a particular topic that is facilitated by a trainer/discussion leader. Group discussions are mainly useful when there is a need to share experiences or knowledge with the group members, create new ideas or actions, do a need assessment, understand complex ideas and then make decisions about them. The success of discussion depends upon the trainer who tries to keep discussion moving along right direction. A good leader gets everyone involved in the discussion and assists the group in establishing a systematic approach to its task.
Panel discussion: In panel discussion a selected group of persons (usually 3 to 6 members) discuss the problem in a conversational manner where a chairperson introduces and guides the discussion. Panel discussion is an excellent method for discussing controversial subjects like, opinion regarding avenues for empowerment of rural women or concerns regarding women's role in development programmes or importance of girl's education etc. The main problem with this method is that it is highly structured and the control of the content rests heavily with the panelists. The learners as audience have very little opportunity to participate during the course of discussion. It is only at the end that they get an opportunity to clarify doubts or express their views.
Statement discussion: The group will be given statements for discussion by the trainer who acts as a coordinator, facilitator and motivator to motivate the group for discussions and pooling the ideas generated during discussions. The trainees are very much involved in learning process through this method as it supports as a tool to share work experiences and job knowledge. The communication occurs in two ways between the trainers and the trainees. The attitude of participants surfaces during the process and ample opportunities to modify them in the course of discussions.
Syndicate method: In this method the trainees are divided into sub groups called as syndicates and each syndicate has to work on various subjects. The syndicates discuss the issues related to the subject and prepare a paper. The issues may be integrated one involving all the departments in an organization and the members of the syndicate will be selected from cross section of organizations. The syndicate has to complete the task assigned within a specified date and time. Additional problems may be announced here and there to bring pressure on syndicates.
Small group training: This method is used for imparting training to a small group of trainees to improve their skill. This is an important method for transfer of technology to rural women. The method involves identifying the technology; providing theoretical knowledge and then supplementing with practical experiences and at the end providing relevant materials to be carried home by the participants. The method facilitates in imparting skill to a small group of participants by motivating them to adopt new practices through skill training.
Seminars: Seminars are short term training programmes arranged for a few days i.e. one to three days. They are convened to have in depth discussions on a subject from the view of various view points. In seminars there are presentations of papers by various authors related to the issue of training followed by discussions, questions and answers. Trainees in discussion and as a whole seminar help the trainees to broaden their outlook. At the end of the sessions the participants can come out with recommendations.
Conference: All the members in conference are expected to have more or less equal knowledge. Usual duration of seminar is two to three days. However, maximum is for five days. This method is suited for executives and senior officials in dealing with a complex problem which requires contribution from experienced and senior officials. The issues and subject matters of conference are informed well in advance to enable the participants to prepare papers and other material for the conference. The delegates present papers and their views.
Symposium: This word is originated from Greek, meaning drinking party or feast. In those days scholars engaged in philosophical and scientific discussions was considered as a feast of intelligent people. In symposia a particular subject is discussed widely and deeply from the view point of several authors. The speakers are approximately of equal ability, to avoid one speaker dominating the meeting. The topic becomes so controversial that participants learn the subject thoroughly. It is more or less a debate in which the trainees are participating vigorously. The main advantage of the method is the active participation.
Workshop: A workshop is cooperative gathering of individuals who discuss, learn and apply practical skills under expert supervision. It may be held for a day or for consecutive number of days. There is a planning session where all participants are involved in the beginning. Through discussions and practice sessions, exchange of ideas and experiences takes place; and at the end produce a product or prepare a programme for future action. It helps in correctly doing a job and proper shaping of an action oriented programme.
Participants