Leading an effective discussion

1. How to lead an effective discussionHow to lead an effective discussion
PRESENTATION ON:PRESENTATION ON:

2. Presented by:Presented by:
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3. ContentsContents
 What is a discussion
 What is an effective group discussion
 Why do we discuss? Benefits
 Why should you lead a group discussion
 How to lead an effective discussion
 Elements to Include in the Discussion 3

4.  Things to avoid in the discussion
 Things to be remembered while opening
an discussion
 Maintaining a meaningful conversation
 Wrapping it Up
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…contd.

5. What is a discussion…?What is a discussion…?
 Discussion is an extended communication
dealing with some particular topic
 It is done between a group of people
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6. What is an effective group discussion..??What is an effective group discussion..??
An effective group discussion is one in which the
group is able to accomplish its purpose or to
establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or
for further contact and collaboration among its
members
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7. Why do we discuss..???Why do we discuss..???
 Helps explore diversity of perspectives
 To move ideas (someone else’s or our own)
 To spread enthusiasm
 To give an opportunity to be involved
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8. ……contd.contd.
 To solve problems in a way that lots of people to
agree on
 Increases student awareness of and tolerance for
ambiguity or complexity
 Encourages attentive, respectful listening
 Develops the capacity for clear communication
of ideas
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9. Why should you lead a group discussion?Why should you lead a group discussion?
 A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice
 A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be
expressed and discussed
 Group discussion is generally a democratic,
egalitarian process
 A group discussion leads to group ownership of
whatever conclusions, plans, or action the group
decides upon 9

10. ……contd.contd.
 An effective group discussion encourages those
who might normally be reluctant to speak their
minds
 Group discussions can often open
communication channels among people who
might not communicate in any other way
 In some cases, a group discussion is simply the
obvious, or even the only, way to proceed
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11. You might lead a group discussionYou might lead a group discussion
because:because:
 It’s part of your job
 You’ve been asked to
 A discussion is necessary, and you have the skills
to lead it
 It was your idea in the first place
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12. How to lead an effective discussion…?How to lead an effective discussion…?
 Help the group feel at ease
 Give everyone a chance to talk
 Don’t allow anyone to monopolize the discussion
 Call on individuals who seem ready to talk
 Direct rather than dominate
 Be sure the discussion is of interest to all the participants
 Keep the discussion on track
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13. Elements to Include in the DiscussionElements to Include in the Discussion
 State the study’s major findings
 Explain the meaning and importance of the
findings
 Relate the findings to those of similar studies
 Consider alternative explanations of the findings
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14. ……contd.contd.
 State the clinical relevance of the findings
 Acknowledge the study’s limitations
 Make suggestions for further research
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16. Things to Avoid in the DiscussionThings to Avoid in the Discussion
 Over interpretation of the results
 Unwarranted speculation
 Inflation of the importance of the findings
 Tangential issues
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17. ……contd.contd.
 The “bully pulpit”
 Conclusions that are not supported by the data
 Inclusion of the “take-home message”; save this
for the conclusions section
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18. Things to be remembered while opening anThings to be remembered while opening an
discussiondiscussion
 Ask a question that inspires a productive conversation
 Be prepared
 Provide clear guidelines for participation
 Provide a shared frame of reference
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19. ……contd.contd.
 Maintain enthusiasm for the topic
 Define key terms
 Present yourself well
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20. Maintaining a Meaningful ConversationMaintaining a Meaningful Conversation
 Maintain an atmosphere of safety and respect
 Make arguments
 Move from the known to the unknown
 Manage personalities
 Write ideas down
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21. ……contd.contd.
 Remember that it’s about the topic, not you
 Manage your time well
 Help students address each other
 Manage problem students
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22. Wrapping it UpWrapping it Up
 Summarize as you go
 Tie it all together
 Leave time for questions
 Leave them hungry
 Notice who did or did not participate to improve next
time
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23. Any suggestions
Or
questions…???
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