Group discussion is a method for teaching health education through direct sharing of knowledge, ideas, and experiences among a small group of people. An ideal group consists of 6-12 members who meet to discuss problems and find solutions. The members have roles like a leader to guide discussion, a recorder to document decisions, and general members who actively participate. When done effectively, group discussion allows members to learn from each other, develop problem-solving skills, and make decisions as a united group. It helps improve health knowledge but may require careful facilitation to avoid potential disadvantages like lack of participation or going off track.

1. GROUP DISCUSSION
A GROUP APPROACH FOR HEALTH EDUCATION COMMUNICATION
Presented By:
Bikash Dangaura
BPH 6th Semester
Pokhara University, School of Health and Allied Sciences
(SHAS)
Roll No.: 09

2. Introduction
Group discussion is defined as the verbal exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences to
achieve the objectives.
It is the practice of meeting group of people and discuss to solve problem existed since the
beginning of man’s ability to communicate with verbal symbols.
Today, group discussion is also used commonly in teaching a group of people about how to identify
their health problems and find out ways to solve it.
It is a method of teaching through the direct share of knowledge, ideas and experiences among
small group of persons about a particular subject or problem within a limited period of time with a
view to solve the problem.

3. …Introduction…contd..
Any discussion should take only an hour or less to avoid boredom.
An ideal group may consist of 6-12 members depending upon the situation so that each
person is able to communicate with all others face to face to reach to a decision and achieve
the common goal.
In smaller groups, there may not be adequate variety of knowledge, skills, ideas and
experiences.
Larger groups become unmanageable and unfruitful.

4. Characteristics of Group
A set of individuals with common need
The members have accepted as their own a common goal of the group based on their need
The members act unitedly to achieve the goal
The action or achievement of group goal involves interaction among the members resulting in
share of knowledge, skills and ideas.

5. Process of Group Discussion
Getting to know each other through introduction.
Getting familiar with the purpose of group discussion.
Establishing good norms.
Making good participation by sharing ideas and skills.
Reaching group consensus in goal achievement

6. Members of Group Discussion
1. Leaders or Chairperson
2. Recorder
3. General Members

7. Roles of the Members of Group
Discussion
1. Leaders or Chairperson: They are normally selected among the members. Sometimes, a
health educator will have to take the position. If there are several dimensions on different
topics, the leader may be changed for each discussion.
2. Recorder: The recorder is also called as reporter or Secretary. He is chosen from the group
members to keep record of the points of discussion and report the decision to the group
members.
3. General Members: The rest of the members in the group act as general members who
actively participate in the discussion and share knowledge, ideas and experiences to reach
the fruitful conclusion. They are generally known as members of the discussion group.

8. Functions of Members of Group
Discussion:
Functions of Leader:
◦ Inform group members about time, place and topic of discussion.
◦ Manage for physical facilities (seating, lighting, ventilation etc.) to keep
members in comfortable situation. Seating arrangement should provide face
to face communication among all members.
◦ Receive members and make introduction by name, address, experience etc.
including himself.
◦ Open the discussion in time by introducing topic and by mentioning the
responsibilities of the members.

9. …Functions of Leader…contd..
◦ Control and keep the discussion on track.
◦ Encourage members to express their ideas and experiences, and conduct the
proceeding in a democratic way without any partiality.
◦ Help recorder to summarize the points of discussion.
◦ Carefully close the discussion session in time with the consent of the group.

10. Functions of Recorder
Record the expressed views, points of agreement and disagreement, and left over issues.
With the consultation of chairperson, prepare a brief report about the discussion and decision.
If acceptable, present the report to the plenary session (a session of conference which all
members of all parties are to attend) for general discussion.

11. Functions of Members
Take active part in the discussion by exchanging ideas and experiences, and help each other to
learn and solve problem.
Respect each other and maintain unity of the group.
Follow discussion rules.

12. M
Group
Goal
M
M
Leader
M
M
M
Diagram for a Good Group Interaction

13. Factors Affecting Good Discussion and
Decision Making
Able leadership
Maturity of the group
Clear understanding of the problems by all members
Effective Communication with adequate exchange of ideas and experiences
Absence of interference and dominance
Availability of resources (resource person, physical facilities etc.)

14. Advantages of Group Discussion
Members get opportunity to know each other
Develops creativity, confidence and ability of judgement in members or learners
Helps learners to come to a group discussion and solve their common problem
Group discussion is better than individual decision to yield better result
Helps members to become active learners and learn new knowledge, ideas and experiences
about their subject of concern through a cooperative and interactive process

15. Advantages…cont…
Helps members develop positive attitude of working together
Provides adequate communication among all the members with exchange of ideas and
experiences
Develop creativity and attitude of working together

16. Disadvantages of Group Discussion
Some self conscious members may not venture to bring forth their valid idea for fear of
disapproval by other members
Sometimes discussion may be prolonged without any fruitful result, or it may take longer time
to come to the conclusion or decision
Sometimes the discussion may go out of track
Somebody may not feel personally responsible for the result of discussion. So, they may not
participate well.

17. References
1. A Textbook of Health Education (Philosophy and Principles)-Prof. Hari Bhakta Pradhan.

18. THANK YOU !!!
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