The document discusses effective group discussion and problem solving. It defines discussion as a cooperative exchange of ideas and outlines the difference between cooperative and competitive interactions. It also describes three common discussion formats: panel discussions, symposiums, and town hall meetings. The document advocates that groups should follow John Dewey's six step approach to problem solving: define the problem, establish criteria, analyze, suggest solutions, evaluate solutions, and test solutions. It provides tips for effective group leadership, such as anticipating questions, keeping discussion flowing, and handling disruptive members. Leaders are advised to act as moderators and seek consensus.

1. Chapter 6
Group Discussion
Developing the Right Attitude for
Group Work

2. The Right Attitude for
Group Work
What is the definition of “discussion”?

3. The Right Attitude for
Group Work
Discussion is a cooperative exchange of
information, opinions and ideas.

4. Define the difference between
cooperative manner rather than a
competitive manner.

5. The difference between cooperative
manner rather than a competitive
manner is…
This is not a debate
Working towards same
goal

6. How can you be
successful in a group?

7. How to be successful
in a group
 Be patient.
 You can't just let
things happen -
you have to
participate.
 Be committed
to listen,
think
and reason with
others.

8. What are the three kinds of
Discussion Formats?

9. Panel Discussion
 Relatively informal
 Members face the audience,
but talk to each other
 An open forum may follow;
members invite questions or
direct questions
 A special kind of panel is a round
table
3 to 8 people
sit around a table and discussion
suggestions

10. Symposium
 More formal
 Present opposing points of view
 Experts deliver short speeches
on a specific topic
 Discussion leader
Introduces each
Gives a brief statement at end of
each presentation to link together
At end of session, directs an
questions and answers

11. Dates back to the
colonies
At that time a vote
was taken after the
town discussion
Today used by TV
where people in the
audience and at home
speak their minds and
ask experts questions
Town Hall Meeting

12. What are Factors of a
Successful Meeting?

13. Factors for Success
 Group size - 5 to 7 ideal
 Diversity
 Everyone needed
 Seating Arrangements
 Circle
 Enough space
 Cohesion
 Need to respect each other
 Have unified goal

14. Group Problem Solving
 John Dewey
 Philosopher and educator
 Thought groups should cultivate vital habits of
democracy
 Stick to a Pattern
 Discussions should follow a logical, sequential flow
 Six main steps

15. 1. Define the Problem.
Understand it
Limit the problem
Record what you have
decided

16. 2. Establish Criteria for
Workable Solution.
Determine set of standards for a solution
to meet

17. 3. Analyze the Problem.
Break the problem down

18. 4. Suggest Possible
Solutions.
Brainstorm
Write down everything
Don't cut off discussion

19. 5. Evaluate Each Solution
and Select the Best.
Make careful comparison of
each potential solution.
How does it match the criteria?

20. 6. Suggest way for Testing.
Find a way to test it out.
Make sure the solution is practical.

21. Managing Conflict
What is constructive conflict?

22. Managing Conflict
Constructive conflict is using ideas to
make suggestions better.

23. Managing Conflict
What is disruptive conflict?

24. Managing Conflict
Disruptive Conflict is…
 Polarizing
 Nitpickers
 Eager beavers
 Fence sitters
 Wisecrackers
 Superior Beings
 Dominators

25. How to Contribute
 Be clear and simple. Reinforce what you say
with looks and gestures
 Encourage members to react to your ideas
"Was that clear?" or "Do you have any questions?"
 Be interesting
 Be animated
 Offer reasons for what you say
 Think before you speak
 Actively listen
 Prepare for the Discussion

26. What a Leader Should
Know
How to run a meeting
The people in the group
The issues the group will discuss

27. The leader should be the
moderator.
 Gets the meeting started
 Sets the agenda
Ask the group to recall information on the business at
hand - Questions of fact
Ask them to give opinions on what the information
means - Questions of Interpretation
Ask members to agree or disagree on possible solutions -
Questions of evaluation

28. Leaders anticipate
questions.
Know that good questions of
interpretation
 Contain doubt
 Can be answered
 Likely will interest the group

29. Leaders Keep the
Discussion Going.
Set an Example
Close the Discussion
Seek Consensus
Handle problem members

30. Name types of Problem
Members

31. Types of Problem
Members
Monopolizers - They interrupt, ramble and repeat.
 Don't argue, but confront them
 Invite others to comment
Distracters - They seek attention, and to get it, they will
bring up irrelevant topics.
 Restate the meeting's purpose ask specific questions
Skeptics - They find fault with everything.
 Have a friendly talk with them before the meeting
 If that doesn't work cut them off with "We want solutions, not
criticism”

32. Recalling the Facts
 What is group discussion?
 Why is group discussion so valuable?
 What are the types of public group forms?
 What is the size of the ideal group?
 Who is John Dewey and what did he do?
 How should differences in a group be treated?
 Is conflict helpful or harmful?
 Active listeners watch and talk when….
 Why do all groups need a leader?
 What does a leader do at the meeting?
 What does groupthink do to a group?
Look back on page166 of textbook

33. Vocabulary
 Discussion
 Cooperative
 Competitive
 Panel
 Forum
 Round table
 Town hall meeting
 Cohesion
 Criteria
 brainstorming
 Constructive conflict
 Disruptive conflict
 Moderator
 Questions of fact
 Questions of
interpretation
 Questions of evaluation
 Consensus
 Groupthink
Speech terms on Page 141