DISCUSSION METHOD

DEFINITION:
A discussion is a conversation with a focal point, such as a specific topic, question, concept or problem,
in which there is a sincere desire to arrive at a decision.
PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION:

To assist the students to develop belief regarding legal and controversial issues as in discussion pros and
cons of an opinion is critically analysed by the group members.
To clarify and share the information among the members of groaup.
To foster and develop team and social skills, under the leadership of teachers.

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR GROUP DISCUSSION:

Ideas or views expressed by the group members should be clear and concise.
The members have to listen to each other what is discussed among them.
There should not be any interruption when the member of the group is discussing or speaking.
Each member of group should accept the criticism gracefully, if by a member is done.
The group discussion should reach to a conclusion.
In group discussion, the relevant remarks should be made by its members during discussion.

COMPOSITION OF GROUP:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The group leader one

The group observer one
The group recorder one
The group members 15 to 25

Group leader: The leader of the group is key person. Your own ability to guide effectively may depend the
success or the failure of the discussion. The major function of the group leader can be classified under the
following headings:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Regulating the discussion

Focussing the discussion
Guiding the discussion
Classifying the discussion

Group recorder: The recorder makes a record of the salient features of the
discussions and helps the
members to recapitulate or correlate with any previous discussion. The recorder at the end will read to the
group, the draft report of discussion and obtain the consent of the group.
Group observer: The observer job is to use this record in analysing the behaviour of the group and in making
suggestions as to ways in which the group can act differently and thereby improve it effectively.
Group members: It consists of about 15-25 members. It is neither the leaders responsibility alone nor is it
the observers to create and maintain an atmosphere of freedom so that all will feel free to participate; to keep
the discussion moving towards, its goals; to analyse the difficulties the group may encounter in attaining an
attitude.
TECHNIQUE OF GROUP DISCUSSION:
1. Proper planning of the topic with objectives and guidelines. Proper planning of the environment in which
discussion is arranged i.e. environment should be non-threatening.
2. Adequate preparation of students in relation to topic to be discussed is required for the success of group
discussion.
3. Role of each member of group, leader of group and role of teacher need to be clarified.
4. Teacher opens the discussion session with brief introduction of topic to be discussed with objectives and
guidelines.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Students are invited to express their ideas or view points.

During discussion, teacher assumes the role of facilitator.
One of the students among group records the proceedings.
Teacher controls the group discussion by discouraging overtalkative students and involving the passive
students in discussion.
9. During discussion, teacher clarifies the difficult statements to void misinterpretation and confusion
among group members.
10. Teacher redirects the course of discussion, if the discussion is deviated from the predetermined objectives
or if wasting time.
11. Teacher guides the students in relation to pros and cons of the view points and after analysing the view
points, a consensus is reached.
12. After group discussion, a concluding note in the form of summary of the discussion, performance of
students and a few words of appreciation to encourage the students to participate in forthcoming
discussions.
ADVANTAGES:

Group discussion method involved active participation of students and promote learning abilities of
students.
Students self-esteem is enhanced as their view points or suggestions are accepted.
Help the students to develop problem solving technique.
Develops self confidence among members of group.
Provides an opportunity to students to express views or skills.
Develops social skills and a feeling of team activity.
Develops ability among students to compare and contrast the knowledge on particular topic.

DISADVANTAGES OF GROUP DISCUSSION METHOD:

Group discussion method is time consuming as it is difficult to complete the discussion within time.
Without adequate preparation of students, group discussion method is not as useful as meaningful
exchanges of views will not occur among students.
Sometimes, over talkative students overcome others and make other members passive.
Group discussion method is not effective for a larger group i.e. more than 20 members.
Unequal participation of members, sometimes occur as some may dominate others.