"Presentation on Group Discussion Overview. See to Learn how to be a good group member and be a part of successful group discussion. Ways to prevent discussion from becoming a debate. These PDF's are available for all VEDA students for free on www.veda-edu.com"

1. Group Discussion

2. Discussion Formats
 Panel Discussion
 Symposium
 Town Hall Meeting

3. Panel Discussion
 Informal discussion that takes place in
front of an audience
 Small group (3-4)
 Sit facing the audience but usually
direct comments toward panel
 Helps to inform audience about public
issues

4. Panel Discussion Cont.
 Open forum: may follow panel
discussion
 Audience Q&A
 Round table: type of panel discussion
 (3-8 members) sit around a table to
discuss an issue of concern

5. Symposium
 Formal
 Present opposing points of view
 Experts deliver short speeches
 After each speaker, the audience gets
to ask questions

6. Town Hall Meeting
 Early American Colonies
 Today, rather than gathering in a hall,
people use TV or the Internet to
discuss important issues with people
all over the world.

7. Successful Group
Discussions
 Group size
 Cohesion
 Seating Arrangements

8. Dewey’s System for
Problem-Solving
1. Define the Problem
2. Establish Criteria for a Workable Solution
3. Analyze the Problem
4. Suggest Possible Solutions
5. Evaluate Each Solution and Select the
Best One
6. Suggest Ways for Testing or Carrying Out
the Solution

9. Conflicts
 Constructive Conflict: members use
their differences to come up with new
ideas
 Disruptive Conflict: discussion turns
into a debate
 Personal victory more important than
solving issues

10. What can I do to be a good
group member?
 Active listening
 Be prepared for discussion
 Contribute as a leader
 Keep discussion flowing
 Give examples