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

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

What Makes a Great Discussion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jigsaw Process - Part I Meet in content/chapter groups Share for 20 minutes 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

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?

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?

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

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.