DISCUSSION AS A
METHOD OF
TEACHING
PRESENTED BY:
GURSANGEET KAUR
MSC NSG IST YEAR
INTRODUCTION:
A discussion is a conversation
with a focal point such as a
specific topic, question,
concept, or problem in which
there is a serious desire to
arrive at a decision
Discussion occurs
when a group with
group orientation
purposefully interacts
orally for enlightment
or policy
determination.
When the end is problem
solving members
systematically define, analyze,
evaluate possible solutions
and attempt to agree upon a
high quality decision to which
all or the majority will be
committed
Meaning of group discussion:
Discussion is joint effort by a
group of people to arrive at
an understanding of some
problem about which they
have some previous
knowledge, feelings or ideas.
Group discussions not just
“talking” neither is it simply a
series of reports given by the
individual members of the class.
It is basically a cooperative,
problem-solving activity which
seeks a consensus regarding the
solution of a problem rather than
decision by majority of vote.
Group discussion used as a
teaching method refers to a
condition in which every
member of a class is given an
opportunity to express
himself/herself on the subject
being considered and is
exposed to the view points of
others.
It is creation of an
environment in which the
student learns to look for
facts; to interpret facts; to
clarify his/ her own thinking
and to evaluate and modify
his/her own conduct in the
light of the new view-points
gained.
Uses of discussion in
teaching:
For
teaching a
particular
subject.
To
supplement
a lecture
In
connection
with an
observation
visit or case
presented.
For panel
discussion
General principles of discussion:
There should be a clearly
defined objective which is
understood by all the
participants
There should
be a leader to
guide and
coordinate
proceedings.
The main points
in the discussion
should be
recorded as it is
going on either on
the blackboard by
a ‘recorder’
elected by the
group
Everyone
should feel
free to
participate.
Shy persons
should be
encouraged
to
contribute
All points of view should be
fairly considered.
Discussion should keep to point
Planning in terms of time and
resources available.
Physical conditions should be
such that each member is seen
and heard.
The discussion should be
properly closed with report,
decision, and recommendation
or summing up the matter
discussed.
The members of the group
should come to the conclusion
with a basic knowledge of topic
to be discussed
Types of discussion:
Closed group discussion
a. Study group
b. Work shop
c. Staff meeting
d. Briefing sessions
e. Round table
f. Decision making
Public discussions:
a.Panel discussion
b.Dialogue
c.Symposium
d.Forum
Techniques of group
discussion:
Teaching which can be used
effectively with small groups:
• Individual conferences
• Informal group conferences
• Clinic
• Seminar
• Role playing
Techniques which can be
used effectively with large
groups:
• Multiple round tables
• Symposium
• Panel
• Role-playing
• Demonstration
Composition of group:
The group leader—one
The group observer—
one
The group recorder-one
The group members---15
to25
Major functions of the group
leader:
Regulating the discussion
Focusing the discussion
Guiding the discussion
Classifying the
discussion
Values of group discussion:
Creates analytic and
critical abilities,
creativity, encourages the
student to think for self.
To develop critical habits
of study.
To interpret problems of the
past, throw light on the
problems of the present and
the gain insight into ways for
shaping the future
It enables the student to enrich
his own participation.
It gives the student an
opportunity to learn how to
adjust to social situations
Keeps him to advance in
creative thought by his own
efforts, to make progress as
a result of the responses of
him and others to the
stimulus of questions and
volunteered expression
Self-activity is increased as
the student is participating
The student acquires new
knowledge from discussion
and develops the ability to
reexamine and analyze her own
reasons and contributions in
the light of ideas presented by
others
Group benefits as there is
pooling of ideas and
harmonizing of attitudes in the
solution of a common problem.
Cooperation in the highest
strength is developed,
since open-mindedness,
respect for other person’s
opinions and concern for
the effective group
discussion.
Teacher evaluation of group
discussion:
• Increased knowledge
• Increased intellectual abilities
• Increased interests
• Changes in attitudes and values
• Better personal and social adjustment
• Increased cooperation
Forms of discussions:
• Class discussion
• Group discussion
• Panel discussion
• Teacher student conference
Good group discussion
depends upon:
Good leadership.
Clear identification of the
problem to be discussed or
the goal to be reached.
Preparation by the leaders
and the participants
Activeparticipation by
all members of the
group.
Accurate information.
Limitations of group
discussion:
Group discussion may be used
effectively when there are
selected with reference to the
type of outcomes desired, the
size of group and the physical
facilities available.
It is not an easy method to use.
It demands careful planning
and thought and considerable
social skill.
It cannot take the place of
other types of teaching but it
supplements and adds variety
to the educational process.
Group discussion methods
in nursing education:
Developing self-directive
learning habits through active
participation in group activity.
Developing attitudes of esprit
de corps in arriving at group
solutions to problem-solving
situations.
Exploring and determining a
plan of action in solving a
professional problem common
to the group.
Acquiring new knowledge about
a given subject.
Developing the art of self-
expression by face-to-face
interaction with the group
members
