Group discussion is an effective learner-centric teaching method that enhances interaction among participants to achieve specific educational objectives. It is defined as a cooperative activity among three or more individuals discussing a topic to reach a consensus. While it offers advantages such as increased participation and interest, it also has disadvantages, including time consumption and the need for skilled facilitation.

1. DISCUSSION

2. INTRODUCTION
• Group discussion is an effective method of
teaching and considered a learner- centric
approach of the teaching –learning process.
• Provides wider interaction among the members
of a group and is useful when long term
compliances are involved.

3. DEFINTION
• Discussion can be defined as three or more
participants who have an agreed topic to discuss
and share their views in all the aspects and
submit/present their views in the form of report
to bigger gathering.
• Discussion is a cooperative, problem solving
activity, which seeks a consensus regarding the
solution of a problem.

4. PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION
• Members get opportunity to attend group
consortium to gain and share knowledge
necessary to achieve specific educational
objectives.
• Develops the skills of group development, group
cohesiveness and group socialization in group,
embers under the leadership of teacher.
• Variety of information may be learned in short
time, when a number of people in a group share
their own experience and knowledge with others.

5. PREREQUISITES OF DISCUSSION
• Topics given by teacher
• Planning and preparation
• Knowledge with self
confidence
• Communication skills/
power of speech
• Presentation
• Body language and
personal appearance
• cooperation
• Being calm and cool

6. Guidelines To Conduct A Group
Discussion
• Adequate and effective planning on the topic of
discussion.
• Plenty of time and motivation must be provided
preparation.
• Group leader and each member should be well
aware of their moral and professional
responsibilities.
• Discussion should start with the teacher giving a
brief introduction of the topic with specific
objectives, followed by students expressing their
ideas and viewpoints.

7. Cont’d…
• During discussion, the teacher assumes the role
of mentor and leader.
• Record the proceeding of the discussion
• Teacher intervenes in case of argumentative and
ambiguous discussions and clarifies doubts when
required.
• At the end of the discussion, the teacher
summarizes the discussion.

8. LEVELS OF DISCUSSION
• Opening up a new area of study
• Examination of the soundness of generalization
• Synthesis of data and generalization
• Application of the generalization and decision as
action

9. FORMS OF DISCUSSION
• The individual conference.
• Class group discussion.
• Seminar
• Clinical conference.
• Role play.
Discussion
techniques for
small groups
• Group discussion
• Symposium
• Panel discussion
Discussion
techniques for
large groups

10. ADVANTAGES
• Increases student’s interest
• Increases student’s
acceptance and
commitments
• Utilize student knowledge
and experience
• Results in more permanent
learning because of high
degree student
participations
DISADVANTAGES
• Time consuming
• Lack of equal participation
• Restricts size of group
• Requires highly skilled
instructor
• Requires preparation by
students
• Limits content
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
DISCUSSION

12. DO’S
• Appropriate to the issue
• Make original points and support them by
substantial reasoning.
• Whatever you say must be with a logical flow
and validate it with an eg. As far as possible.
• Make only accurate statements
• Modulate the volume , pitch and tone.
• Talk with confidence and self assurance
• Be an active and dynamic participant by listening.

13. DONT’S
• Being shy/ nervous /keeping isolated from GD
• Interrupting another participant before his
arguments are over
• Make fun of any participant even if his arguments
are funny
• Engage yourself in sub group conversation.
• Repeat and use irrelevant materials

14. IMPORTANT POINTS
• Be assertive
• Right language
• Good listener
• Be analytical and fact –oriented

15. SUMMARY
• Definition of Discussion
• Purpose of Discussion
• Prerequisite of Discussion
• Guidelines To Conduct A Group Discussion
• Levels Of Discussion
• Forms Of Discussion
• Advantages & Disadvantages
• Discussion Etiquettes – Do’s & Dont’s

16. CONCLUSION
• Group Discussion refers to a communicative situation
that allows its participants to share their views and
opinions with other participants.
• In a group discussion, a number of learners interact
face to face to achieve specific educational
objectives.
• Common forms of group discussion are classroom
discussion, seminar, symposium, and panel
discussion and conferences.

17. REFERENCES
• Suresh k Sharma. Reena Sharma. Communication
and educational technology.2nd edition. Elsevier.2013
• Sharma Kumar Dinesh; communication and
educational technology. lotus publisher.2nd
edition.2012