Academic Group DISCUSSION

1. Academic Group DISCUSSION

2. Topics • Definition of Group Discussion • Group Discussion • Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Benefits in Group Discussion • Salient features • Do’s and Don’ts in Group Discussion • Important points in Group Discussion • Accept criticism • Suggestion • Topics of importance frequently discussed

3. Definition of Group Discussion • Group Discussion is a method of assessing student performance. • It is both a technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to judge the preparedness of students and their understanding of complex ideas.

4. Group Discussion • The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons. • The group will have members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic(s) of current issue. • Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the abilities of the members of the group is measured.

5. Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Topics given by teacher • Planning and preparation by students • Knowledge with self-confidence • Communication skills/ power of speech • Presentation • Body Language and personal appearance • Being calm and cool

6. Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Extensive knowledge base related to city, state, country, and globe. • Areas might include politics, sports, science & trade commerce, industry and technology, etc.. • Analyze the social, economical issues scientifically. • Listening skills • Co-operation.

7. Benefits in Group discussion • Stimulation of thinking in a new way. • Expansion of knowledge • Understanding of your strength and weakness. • Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize

8. Benefits of group discussion • Provides chance to expose • Language skills • Academic knowledge • Leadership skills • People handling skills • Team work • General knowledge.

9. Salient features of G.D • Topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent. • Discussion revolves around a specific subject. • The examiner does not interfere once he announces the topic. • Maintain cordiality and free expression of thought and opinion.

10. Do`s in group discussion • Appropriate to the issue . • Make original points & support them by substantial reasoning . • Listen to the other participants actively & carefully. • Whatever you say must be with a logical flow and validate it with an example as often as possible. • Make only accurate statements.

11. Do`s in group discussion • Modulate the volume, pitch and tone. • Be considerate to the feelings of others. • Try to get your turn. • Be an active and dynamic participant by listening. • Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

12. Don’ts during group discussion • Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from group discussion • Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over • Speak in favor; example: establish your position and stand by it stubbornly • Change opinions • Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.

13. Don`ts during group discussion • Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation (no side talk). • Don’t repeat and/or use irrelevant materials. • Addressing yourself to the teacher. • Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes, the matters you put across are important, not your grammar but do try to speak properly.

14. Important points in group discussion • Be assertive: An assertive person is direct, honest, and careful about not hurting others ‘self-respect’. • A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation. • Right language : Words can make friends & right words at the right time provide the best results. • Be analytical and fact-oriented: It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.

15. Accept criticism • If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply. • In case the criticism is flimsy,the same can be pointed out politely. • Maximize participation ; one must try to contribute fully, vigorously & steadily throughout the discussion. • Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates your leadership qualities.

16. Accept someone's point of view • Praise the argument Example: Remedial English communication is necessary for college students because they fail in communication skill test. Status of literacy of women , is increased from 30% to 70% when compared to past years, in employment sectors organized, in the IT field.

17. Accept the contradicting view • Express your argument with a few facts, cases, percentages, newspapers, publications, etc. (real data) • Express without hurting others feelings.

18. Suggestions • Never try to bluff. • Practice group discussion with friends on different subjects. • Remember speech is a powerful weapon.

19. Topics of importance that will be frequently discussed • Economics: poverty, government spending, education costs, taxation, healthcare, etc. • Political: elections, candidates, public policy, government responses, war/conflict, laws, politician behaviors, etc. • Social: family, health, contraception, race, religion, sexuality, marriage, human rights, class, disabilities, etc.

20. What issues are interest you? • On a half-sheet of lined paper: • Write your first and last name, today’s date, and “SOC 250: Interests List” • Number from 1 to 5 and write down five topics that would interest you for our group discussions over the coming weeks (be as specific as possible)

21. What issues interest your classmate? • Pair-and-share • Turn to a person sitting next to you and pair up to discuss your lists • Are there any similar topics? • Are there any different topics? • Pick one topic from your partner’s list and ask them why they chose that issue and what about it interests them • Take turns and let the other person go

22. Pass your interests lists to the front • I will review these and use them to help me select the topics for our discussions in class. • Tomorrow we will review the lists and vote on our top ten. Thank you