ComputerHunter.org

 

Group Discussion Guidelines


DISCUSSION METHODS: There are two basic types of discussion methods; the conference method and the workshop method. The conference method involves meetings of staff members, usually from the same organization, and is convened to pass on information, communicate management policies or decisions, or to solve organizational problems. These meetings are usually held for only one or two days, and generally consist of large discussion groups. The workshop method, on the other hand, is usually utilized when there are participants from a range of companies meeting for periods of longer than two days, for the purpose of devoting their attention to a specific problem or shared interest. The discussion groups tend to be small, and techniques such as role playing, case study, critical incident are commonly used.

GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDELINES: 1. Planning and Preparation. Research and prepare your lesson plans beforehand, just as you would for a lecture. Identify your objectives, and check for the availability of materials and training rooms. 2. Opening the Session. A good beginning, with opening comments carefully made and discussion objectives clearly defined, will eliminate misunderstanding and lay the groundwork for the session. 3. Presenting the Topic. Specifically define the purpose of the discussion. State the problem with the use of visual aids, then identify its importance for the participants. 4. Conducting the Discussion. During the course of the discussion, the trainer should try to encourage full trainee participation, and the greatest possible self-expression from each individual. It is helpful to ask pertinent, leading questions, as well as to give occasional summaries. You must listen carefully and attentively, for even a small lapse in attention may allow the conversation to move in the wrong direction. 5. Summarize the Discussion. At the end of the discussion, restate highlights that occurred during the course of the session. Paraphrase any conclusions.

TRAINING THROUGH GROUP DISCUSSIONS: In the end, the only certain way to learn the art of handling discussions is to try them for yourself - see what works and what doesn't, what seems to encourage new ideas and behavioral change and what serves only to use up your valuable time and that of trainees. The best guide for the beginner is to simply watch and listen, observe common rules of courtesy in speaking, and avoid an obviously manipulative role when you are influencing the course of the discussion. Once you have mastered the technique, you may find that you never want to use a lecture again!

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.







Google News - Top Stories

CNBC

Clinton Will Attend Fund-Raiser for Towns
New York Times - 3 hours ago
By Jonathan P. Hicks United States Representative Edolphus Towns is getting some rather high level support tonight. Former President Bill Clinton will be attending a fund-raising reception tonight on behalf of Mr.
Survey finds hunters, anglers favor John McCain Los Angeles Times
Hillary Clinton's Staff Looking to Avoid Embarrassing Anti-Obama ... FOXNews
The Associated Press - ABC News - Washington Times - CNN Political Ticker
all 584 news articles


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Two McCain offices evacuated after letter threat
Reuters - 49 minutes ago
By Keith Coffman DENVER (Reuters) - Two offices of John McCain's US presidential campaign, in Colorado and New Hampshire, were evacuated on Thursday, and several staffers were hospitalized, after threatening or suspicious envelopes arrived in the mail, ...
McCain offices receive threatening letters, campaign says CNN
Officials: Threats sent to McCain offices The Associated Press
Washington Post - CBS News - CNN Political Ticker - Monsters and Critics.com
all 370 news articles


Times Online

Russia Sets Up Georgia Posts as It Pulls Out Troops (Update1)
Bloomberg - 57 minutes ago
By Lyubov Pronina and Helena Bedwell Aug. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Russia is setting up military posts for what it terms ``peacekeepers'' outside the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia as it pulls out some of the troops, tanks and artillery it used in ...
Russians halt Nato co-operation BBC News
• Russia blocks Georgia's main port city Washington Post
Voice of America - The Associated Press - Reuters - Times Online
all 6,357 news articles


ABC News

Spain keeps one minute silence for deadly air crash
Xinhua - 39 minutes ago
MADRID, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people on Thursday kept one minute silence in many cities of Spain to remember the 153 victims of the Aug. 20 air crash.
Video: Spain Mourns Victims of Crash AssociatedPress
Human error not to blame, says authority guardian.co.uk
Financial Times - United Press International - International Herald Tribune - The Associated Press
all 4,088 news articles


Telegraph.co.uk

Student killed in shooting at Tenn. school
The Associated Press - 36 minutes ago
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A student fatally shot a 15-year-old classmate Thursday at a high school, police said, as other teenagers watched in horror as the victim clutched his chest and fell to the floor.
Student shot at Tennessee high school dies CNN
Student, 16, Killed in Shooting at Tennessee School WBKO
WVLT - Chicago Sun-Times - The Chattanoogan - WDEF News 12
all 1,048 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base