Small-group discussions are used to determine participants' understanding of content, reinforce and clarify ideas, apply content to real life, and enhance problem-solving skills. They allow participants to learn from each other and take responsibility for learning. Effective small groups have members who come prepared, cooperate rather than compete, and give all members a chance to participate. Discussions are typically 20 minutes, including introduction, exercise, and summary. The process involves introductions, identifying themes, and groups reporting back to the class. Leaders initiate, facilitate, and summarize while all members give information, ask questions, discuss interpretations, and stay on topic.

1. Small-Group Discussions

2. What’s is a Small-group Discussion?

3. Why Use Exercises and Group Discussions? Determine participants’ understanding of content Reinforce and clarify the content Apply the content to real-life situations Enhance problem-solving skills Help participants learn from each other Give participants a greater sense of responsibility in the learning process Encourage participation

4. General Guidelines A group that functions well should adhere to the following: Group members must come prepared Group discussion is a cooperative, not competitive, learning process. Every member of the group is given the opportunity to participate

5. Time Frame For example 5 minutes – Introduction 10 minutes – Conduct the exercise 5 minutes – Summary ___________ 20 minutes – TOTAL time

6. Group Process General Guidelines: A group that functions well should adhere to the following: Group members must come prepared Group discussion is a cooperative, not competitive, learning process. Every member of the group is given the opportunity to participate

7. Group Process Step 1: Introduce yourselves Step 2: Identify and discuss main ideas and themes Step 3: Groups report to the rest of the class

8. Group Discussion Leaders’ Roles 1. Initiating 2. Facilitating participation 3. Expediting and summarizing

9. Roles for All in group discussion Giving and asking for information & reactions & critiques Discussing and Questioning each other’s interpretations of materials Stay on topic