- purposes of small groups
- types of small gorup discussion
- roles in discussion groups
- factors affecting small groups
- steps in conducting a small group discussion
- leadership in groups
- conflict resolution of groups
- decision making of groups
- the life cycle of groups
Purposes of Small Groups
- To find information - a group looking for information (fact finding group)
- To evaluate - attempts to compare the worth of one idea to another.
- To establish policy - group charged with forming a decision and intiating action is concerned with establishing policy
Types of Group Discussion
- Round Table Discussion - group members are seated in such a way that they can see another as they work on their task. There may or may not be an audience. Most typical type of discussion group
- Panel Discussion - Involves 4-8 people, one of whom is a leader. The group has a problem to solve and the gorup members discuss it in front of an audience. The panel members do not have prepared speeches. They engage in free and open discussion in which they share their background info and opinions on all aspects of the problem. May be followed by an open forum, a question/answer session for the benefit of the audience.
- Symposium - Group is trying to solve a problem, discussion is more structured. Each member prepares and delivers a speech.
Roles in Groups
- Information giver - These people have the facts and figures the other group members send to complete the task. Everyone in the gorup should have facts and figures.
- Elaborator - able to expand and build upon the ideas of others. Elaborators are very good listeners.
- Energizer - keeps things moving at a nice pace. They say, "Let's get going," "Let's think of a few more ideas"
- Dominator - attempts to take over the group by interupting others and acting very superior. not the same as group leader.
- Harmonizer - Will step in when people clash in a group. Can help disagreeing people see a compromise, or can lighten up a tense moment with humor.
- Gatekeeper - Controls the flow of the discussion so that no one is able to dominate and so quieter members are encouraged to participate.
- Blocker - People who can have a very strong, negative influence on the group.
- Party Animal - a person who likes to have fun and fool around in the group. Eventually brings the group down.
- Recorder - Could be an officially appointed secretary who takes notes, or it could be far less formal. Jot down notes in bullet-point form.
Factors affecting Group Discussion
- Size of the Group - A group has at least 3 people. If more people are involved, the range of opinions and ideas will be broader. It can promote more arguments and conflicts. A group of 5 or 7 is ideal.
- Cliques within a Group - Two or more members may split off and become uninvolved in the group.
- Seating Arrangement - Ideal arrangement for a group is to sit at a round table so that everyon can see the other gorup members and feel "equal."
- Physical Environment - Your surroundings will have an impact on how well your group can work. Make your work space suitable.
- Hidden Agenda - People may use a hidden agenda to block group action, to seize power or to further their own personal goals.
- Information - Before the discussions, gather information related to your topic or problem.
- Listening Skill - Effecting listening means giving your full attention to a speaker and keeping as open mind to the possibility that they may have something to say which will change your mind or allow you to see another angle.
- Clear Communication - It is important to look at other group members when they are speaking to encourage effective listening and to show respect for group members' ideas.
- Respect - It is extremely important to respect other group members and their ideas. Groups which treat each other kindly are far more successful in the long run. Try not to turn a disagreement into a personal attack.
- Active Participation - First responsibility to participate. Share your information and your opinions, ask questions, support other member's ideas
- Time Management - Take the time to make a careful decision. Not a race, but a process and that the goal is eventual consensus.
- Cohesiveness - Team spirit ot tendency to stick together. This trait of an effectively "perfoming" group is a very important contributor to the success of the group.
Steps for Conducting a Discussion (Dewey's Steps of Reflecting Thinking)
- Define the problem - Make sure everyone understands the situation.
- Study the problem - Gather as much information about the problem as you can. Often requires outside research by group members. The info gathered will help focus the discussion in order to make the best decision.
- Propose and evaluate possible solutions - Brianstorm all the idea you can think of that might solve the problem. DO NOT judge ideas during the brainstorming process.
- Select the best solution - Final step of the evaluation phase and may require your group to combine the ideas or to start over again. Group may need to compromise in order to arrive at a solution that is satisfactory to everyone.
- Suggest Ways to Carry out the Solution - Group's action plan.
Leading a Discussion
- Types of Leadership - Nondirective (does not attempt to provide direction in any obvious way), Directive (Provides all the direction, giving orders to others), Supportive (Balances the two extremes. Most productive type of leadership)
- Responsibilities of Leadership - Open and Close the Discussion, Be Well Prepared, Keep the group on track.
