Factors leading to effective group discussion
Listening to each other's points of view
Everyone getting their say
Contributing and sharing ideas, not being afraid to take risks
Preparation - aids understanding of discussion, enables formulation of own opinions and contribution to discussion. Informal discussion outside tutorials can build confidence
Trust and mutual respect create a safe and relaxed atmosphere
Giving each other time to reflect and formulate ideas
Being prepared to ask questions, clarify points and become familiar with terminology
Positive body language shows you are alert and involved in the discussion - e.g. nodding, eye-contact, affirmative noises all help to create a mutually supportive atmosphere
Although physical location is often beyond our control, try to make the best of it. It helps to be able to see all members of the group
Acknowledgement of group dynamics
Larger groups can be broken down into smaller groups
Continuity important in creating positive and safe group atmosphere - shared involvement and commitment helps
Ideally all members facilitate group discussion by helping to create a safe environment for the exploration of ideas
Factors leading to ineffective group discussion
Unwillingness to listen, fixed position
Exclusion of some members
Lack of input in discussion
Lack of confidence in one's own knowledge and opinions
Being intimidated - both by tutor's knowledge and by other members of the group
Long silences - can be uncomfortable
Not feeling like you can ask questions
Some members not responding to other people's ideas, e.g. looking out the window, staring at the floor etc.
Physical location, type of teaching room and seating arrangements can all affect group discussion
Fear of group processes
Size is important
Problem of fortnightly meetings, lack of commitment of group members can lead to problems in forming group dynamic
Attitudes within the group affect group discussions.
Copyright notice (c) 2006 University of Manchester all rights reserved. Material published by The University of Manchester on these web pages is copyright The University of Manchester and may not be reproduced without permission. Copyright exists in all other original material published on the internet by staff or students of The University of Manchester and may belong to the author or to The University of Manchester depending on the circumstances of publication.
Everyone getting their say
Contributing and sharing ideas, not being afraid to take risks
Preparation - aids understanding of discussion, enables formulation of own opinions and contribution to discussion. Informal discussion outside tutorials can build confidence
Trust and mutual respect create a safe and relaxed atmosphere
Giving each other time to reflect and formulate ideas
Being prepared to ask questions, clarify points and become familiar with terminology
Positive body language shows you are alert and involved in the discussion - e.g. nodding, eye-contact, affirmative noises all help to create a mutually supportive atmosphere
Although physical location is often beyond our control, try to make the best of it. It helps to be able to see all members of the group
Acknowledgement of group dynamics
Larger groups can be broken down into smaller groups
Continuity important in creating positive and safe group atmosphere - shared involvement and commitment helps
Ideally all members facilitate group discussion by helping to create a safe environment for the exploration of ideas
Factors leading to ineffective group discussion
Unwillingness to listen, fixed position
Exclusion of some members
Lack of input in discussion
Lack of confidence in one's own knowledge and opinions
Being intimidated - both by tutor's knowledge and by other members of the group
Long silences - can be uncomfortable
Not feeling like you can ask questions
Some members not responding to other people's ideas, e.g. looking out the window, staring at the floor etc.
Physical location, type of teaching room and seating arrangements can all affect group discussion
Fear of group processes
Size is important
Problem of fortnightly meetings, lack of commitment of group members can lead to problems in forming group dynamic
Attitudes within the group affect group discussions.
Copyright notice (c) 2006 University of Manchester all rights reserved. Material published by The University of Manchester on these web pages is copyright The University of Manchester and may not be reproduced without permission. Copyright exists in all other original material published on the internet by staff or students of The University of Manchester and may belong to the author or to The University of Manchester depending on the circumstances of publication.
