 Discussion:
A cooperative exchange of
information, opinions, and ideas.
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
One of the best methods for solving problems
Group members bring all sides of a problem to
the surface for consideration.
 Having


the Right Attitude for Group Work:
Open minded
Interact in a cooperative manner, not
competitive
 Discussion

You can change your minds as you hear new ideas
 Discussion

is dynamic
requires patience
Can seem slow since each member is allowed to
speak
 Discussion
is the basis of our Democratic
system

Find ways to solve problems through sharing
information, ideas, and feelings
 Panel



Discussion
Relatively informal discussion that takes place in
front of an audience
Members sit facing the audience
Members usually talk to each other
 Symposium



Present opposing points of view
Invited experts deliver short speeches on a
subject
After being introduced, each speaker stands and
faces the audience
 Town



Hall Meeting
Dates back to early American colonies
Colonists would assemble in a large hall
A vote usually taken to settle the issue
 Group
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Size
Five to Seven members is best for a group
Less than Five: Lack the diversity needed for
spark
Groups of Seven to Ten: Discourage quiet people
from talking
More than Ten: A few people talk, most people
just listen
 Seating
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
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Arrangements
If someone takes a central position (at the head
of a U-shaped group of chairs), or in the front of
a row, talk usually flows to or through that
person.
If the group is in a circle, everyone can easily
look at one another and talk flows from one
person to another.
People who sit in groups tend to feel more
satisfied with their participation
 Cohesion



Cohesion: when members have respect for each
other, share similar values, and look to each
other for support
If belonging to a group is important, members
will be more cohesive
Group membership offers: a chance to socialize,
feel a sense of purpose, remain loyal, etc…
 Define


the problem:
Understand the problem
Establish what problems will not be considered
 Establish

Criteria for a Workable Solution:
Decide on Criteria, a set of standards that the
solution must meet.
 Analyze

Break the problem down into smaller pieces for
closer inspection
 Suggest



the Problem:
Possible Solutions
Brainstorming: Bombard the problem with fresh
ideas
The obvious solution is not always the best
No solution should be accepted until several have
been proposed, examined, and compared
 Evaluate
Each Solution and Select the Best
One



Refer back to criteria
Make a careful comparison
Determine which solutions meet the criteria
 Suggest
Ways for Testing or Carrying Out the
Solution


Make sure the solution is practical
Give your solution a quick test, if possible
 Conflict


as a Positive Force
Constructive Conflict: Members use their
differences to discover the best ideas.
By analyzing different ideas, groups may become
less committed to the status quo
 Disruptive


Conflict
Polarizes members
Nitpickers, Fence Setters, Wise Crackers,
Superior Beings, Dominators (pp. 154-155)
 Active



Listening
Even if you do not have anything to say, you are
still participating
Be impartial
Be attentive and Courteous
 Preparing

for Discussion
Take time to review notes, research, and think
about the problem beforehand
 Contributing


as a Leader
Do not wait for a leader to emerge
Designate or elect a leader
 Getting
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
the Meeting Started
Questions for Fact: Recall information that
touches on the business at hand
Questions of Interpretation: Asks for opinions on
what the information means
Questions of Evaluation: Ask members to agree or
disagree with possible solutions and make
judgments
 Keep
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Good leaders work to see that everyone
participates
Leaders provide occasional paraphrases
 Set
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
the Discussion Going
an example
Recognize and praise group members
contributions
Avoid negative nonverbal signals.
 Close
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


the Discussion
Be alert that the signs that the group is ready to
quit (repeating, take up minor points, or wander
from the question)
Reach a consensus, or a nearly unanimous
agreement
Do not give up argument or consensus too easily
Avoid “Group Think”, or going along with the
group and abandoning your own ideas and beliefs
Get
out a sheet of paper.
Put your name, class period,
and date in the upper right
hand corner.
Number 1-10
 1.
What is a cooperative exchange of
information, opinions, and ideas?
 2. A relatively informal discussion in front of
an audience where members talk to each
other is a __________ discussion.
 3. The type of format that dates back to
early American colonies is ______ ______
______.
 4. A groups size of ____ to ____ members is
best
 5.
If the group is seated in this shape,
everyone can easily see each other and talk
flows easily between members.
 6. What word describes when members have
respect for each other, share values, and
look to each other for support?
 7. What is the 1st step in group problem
solving?
 8. Bombarding the problem with fresh ideas
is known as __________
 9.
This type of conflict polarizes group
members.
 10. T or F. Good leaders work to see that
everyone in the group participates?
 1.
Discussion
 2. Panel
 3. Town Hall Meeting
 4. 5 to 7
 5. Circle
 6. Cohesion
 7. Define the Problem
 8. Brainstorming
 9. Disruptive
 10. True