This is an organized activity which involves free exchange of ideas to explore the causes and possible solutions of a common problem of a number of people. Thus, the group makes a co-operative effort to solve problems. It is imperative that the discussion must result in arriving at consensus at the end. During the discussion process, learners are given the opportunity to express their opinions, ideas and experiences freely and thereby, the participants learn to appreciate the viewpoint of others. Some of the problems which may be thrashed out through group discussion are environmental pollution, poverty, child labour etc.
Purposes:
To solve a problem (decision-making)
To exchange information
To motivate
To plan a programme of action
To elect or select a person for a position
To entertain
To hear and discuss a report
To form attitudes
To release tensions
To train individuals
Procedure:
Understand and adopt the proper technique. The technique of a problem-solving group discussion consists of the following six steps based on the ‘’reflective thinking pattern’’.
Recognition of the problem as such by the group
Definition of the problem, its situation and diagnosis
Listing of as many solutions as possible
Critical thinking and testing of these hypotheses to find the most appropriate and feasible solution or solutions.
Acceptance or rejection of the solution or solutions by the group
Lastly considering how to put the accepted solution into practice.
See that one of the group members takes up the role of the discussion leader. Extension worker should avoid this role as far as possible, because inn such a case, a situation is likely to develop where the group listens and the chairman does all the talking.
The size of group should never exceed 30 persons
The role of the chairman:
Make physical arrangement for the meeting, so that all members feel comfortable. Seating arrangement should be such that everyone can see the faces of all other members. Circular seating is preferable.
Introduce members, if they are new to one another
Announce the topic and purpose of discussion
Follow a plan
Hear all the contributions made and from time to time give short summaries of the discussion up to that particular moment, especially when the group moves from one step to another
Build a permissive climate
Keep the group moving at the rate at which their thinking progresses
Never ask questions that suggest answers or can be answered with a yes or no
Don’t favour one view against another when there is a conflict or difference of opinion among members
Never become emotional about the discussion
Do not become impatient with the group
Do not dominate the discussion or answer questions raised by the members
The role of members:
Talk one at a time. No private conversation with neighbours. No speech making
Supply as much pertinent information as possible
Answer questions directly, specifically and briefly
Test all thinking by critical analysis
Listen attentively
Stay on the subject
Exhibit willingness to change his opinion when change is justified
Support the needed leadership
Promote group harmony even while criticizing or disagreeing
The role of the expert (Extension worker or specialist)
There may be occasion when a group confronted with a problem does not have sufficient information to enable them to discuss intelligently. In such cases, the role of the expert is not to dominate the meeting, nor to suggest his own solution. He should only supply information, the group does not have furnish technical information, present ways other groups have met similar situations and present the immediate problem in its larger setting, with implications for integrating the solution of the problem with other group policies and action programmes.
To attain maximum advantages of Group discussion technique the following points should be considered:
The seating arrangement of the participants should be such that they face each other and can maintain eye contact throughout.
The whole group may be divided into smaller groups. From each group a leader or recorder may be chosen who could ensure co-operation within the group but may not influence the group decision. Sometimes, an encourager is also needed in the group.
Group members should work out a logical plan to analyze the problem such as recognition of the problem, analysis of the problem, brainstorming solutions, analysis of consequences to the proposed solutions, finding the most appropriate solution by verifying consequences.
The teacher /facilitator should prominently display the main topic of discussion which should be clearly visible for the duration of the discussion.
The instructor /teacher must ensure that all the relevant facts have been considered.
Sufficient time must be allowed for through discussion and analysis of problem
Recorders should be instructed to record all points without bias.
Incase of indiscipline i.e. discussion turning hostile due to exchange of heated arguments amongst the members, the teacher must intervene and bring the participants to order.
Once individual groups are ready, the instructor/teacher should record all points/possible solutions from all groups on the chalkboard/whiteboard etc.
It is a democratic method, giving equal opportunity for every participant to have his say
It appeals to the practical type of individuals
The strength of group discussion lies in the fact that the discussants approach the problem with an open mind and suspended judgment in a spirit of enquiry
It is a co-operative effort and not combative or persuasive in nature
Combined and co-operative thinking of several persons is likely to be superior to that of isolated individuals
Develops group morale
Participants need to be good speakers or debaters’
Factions in village may hinder the successful use of this method
The ideal discussants with self-discipline are difficult to find
It is not suitable for dealing with topics to which discussants are new
In large groups especially, and even in small groups to some extent, it is difficult to achieve group homogeneity or cohesion
The size of the group has to be limited, because the success of the method is perhaps inversely proportional to the size of group other factors being constant
It is not a good method for problems of fact
It is not suitable for taking decisions in times of crisis or emergency, as it is a slow process
Due to its informal conversational style, the scope for orderly or coherent arrangement of ideas is limited
Last modified: Wednesday, 30 November 2011, 12:28 PM
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