Leading Group Discussions

1. Leading Group Discussions David M. Irby, PhD University of California San Francisco

2. Preview • Total Group Discussion • Introduction • PICS Model • Small Group Jigsaw • Lesson planning in chapter groups • Discussion of each chapter in small groups • Total group discussion

3. What Makes a Great Discussion?

4. 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

5. Most 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

6. PICS Discussion Model • Preview? • Involvement of all? • Content covered? • Summary? • Facilitator: enthusiastic, supportive and challenging?

7. Preview • Introduce self and topic • Provide rationale and capture attention • State objectives • Preview session and expectations for participation • Establish positive learning climate

8. Involvement • Promote active participation and stimulate thinking • Ask questions, assign tasks, challenge assumptions, guide further learning • Exhibit enthusiasm

9. Content • Focus and progress through main ideas • Direct and pace discussion • Use visuals to capture ideas (scribe) • Summarize periodically

10. Summary • Summarize key points and provide closure • Bridge to larger course and/or next session • Review learning issues and make assignments • Share feedback on session

11. Review of PICS Model • Preview: Introduce self and preview session • Involvement: Actively involveall learners • Content: Ensure timely progress through content • Summary: Summarize key ideas

12. Jigsaw Process • Advanced Preparation - divided responsibilities • I. Content specific small group discussion • II. Cross content small group discussion • III. Total group discussion

13. Jigsaw 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

14. Jigsaw 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?

15. Jigsaw 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?

16. Review of PICS Model • Preview: Introduce self and preview session • Involvement: Actively involveall learners • Content: Ensure timely progress through content • Summary: Summarize key ideas

17. Conclusion • 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.