Leading Group DiscussionsLeading Group Discussions

David M. Irby, PhD

University of California

San Francisco

PreviewPreview

Total Group Discussion– Introduction– PICS Model

Small Group Jigsaw– Lesson planning in chapter groups– Discussion of each chapter in small groups

Total group discussion

What Makes a Great Discussion?What Makes a Great Discussion?

Why use Discussion?Why use Discussion?

Increases motivation and persistence in learning

Improves learning outcomes because learners must – Articulate what they know and don’t know– Challenge their own assumptions – Connect and consolidate ideas

Increases communication skills More likely to change values

Most Common PitfallsMost Common Pitfalls

Lectures or talks too much Fails to involve everyone Fails to introduce self or session Doesn’t make progress through content;

allows too many tangents No summary or conclusion Doesn’t share self and think aloud

PICS Discussion ModelPICS Discussion Model

Preview? Involvement of all? Content covered? Summary?

Facilitator: enthusiastic, supportive and challenging?

PreviewPreview

Introduce self and topic Provide rationale and capture attention State objectives Preview session and expectations for

participation Establish positive learning climate

InvolvementInvolvement

Promote active participation and stimulate thinking– Ask questions, assign tasks, challenge

assumptions, guide further learning Exhibit enthusiasm

ContentContent

Focus and progress through main ideas– Direct and pace discussion– Use visuals to capture ideas (scribe)– Summarize periodically

SummarySummary

Summarize key points and provide closure Bridge to larger course and/or next session Review learning issues and make

assignments Share feedback on session

Review of PICS ModelReview of PICS Model

Preview: Introduce self and preview session Involvement: Actively involve all learners Content: Ensure timely progress through

content Summary: Summarize key ideas

Jigsaw ProcessJigsaw Process

Advanced Preparation - divided responsibilities

I. Content specific small group discussion II. Cross content small group discussion III. Total group discussion

Jigsaw Process - Part IJigsaw Process - Part I Meet in content/chapter groups Share lesson plans for 20 min. (Remember, no

lectures allowed when teaching.) Structure the discussion by

– Providing a preview and set expectations– Planning strategies for involving everyone– Facilitating discussion of content and managing

time– Summarizing key points

Revise your lesson plan

Jigsaw Process - Part IIJigsaw Process - Part II

Assemble in cross-content groups Lead a discussion on each chapter for 12 minutes

each Give feedback on experience (specific strengths

and recommendations) for 3 minutes– Preview?– Involvement of all?– Content covered?– Summary?

Jigsaw Process - Part IIIJigsaw Process - Part III

What did you learn from this experience? What surprised you?

What questions do you have? What specific techniques will you use in

your teaching?

Review of PICS ModelReview of PICS Model

Preview: Introduce self and preview session Involvement: Actively involve all learners Content: Ensure timely progress through

content Summary: Summarize key ideas

ConclusionConclusion

Careful organization and active involvement enhances learning

Pick one of the tips to use in your next teaching encounter

Your enthusiasm will inspire learning and increase persistence in learning

Have fun.