STEPS: #1 DEFINE PROBLEM #2 CRITERIA FOR SOLUTION #3 ANALYZE PROBLEM #4 BRAINSTORM FOR CONCLUSIONS #5 EVALUATE SOLUTIONS BASED ON EARLIER CRITERIA #6 SUGGEST WAYS TO CARRY OUT SOLUTION Group Discussion

Discussion members need to cultivate “vital habits of democracy.” John Dewey And an Ability to follow an argument or line of reasoning, grasp the point of view of another, expand the boundaries of understanding, and debate the alternative purposes that might be pursued.

Group Discussion using John Dewey Reflective Thinking System for Discussion Define Problem – Design a question that will guide your group discussion. A question of fact. (fact finding to make recommendations for a policy.) A question of value. (establishing what is most important to the group and or quality.) A question of policy. (finding a solution to a problem.) Turn this in today – along with your subtopics for investigation.

Step one – Define the problem – design the question: Establish a question. What question can you design that will guide the group towards a thorough and thoughtful investigation for your discussion. Does the question fit your purpose, audience, and topic? What question will be open and cohesive in its intention? Is your question free of bias? Is your focus to find facts, consider value, or policy- action? TURN THIS in Today!

Step Two – Establish Critera: Develop criteria for a workable solution or end result for your discussion. Establishing criteria before you answer the question will help focus the group as they investigate, present, and discuss.

Step Three: Analysis Consider what areas need research to answer the question. Many times each group member will bring a specific “researched subtopic” to the discussion group. Part of each group member’s job is to present/share a specific perspective and evidence to help the group come to an informed outcome.

Analysis continued Divide the question up for discussion into parts – each group member will present a coherent presentation (2 to 3 minutes) to the group on their assigned part. This is 25 points of your group discussion score.  Research based, cites sources, prepared and confident delivery to group, may add visuals, cohesive and directly connected to group’s main question. Turn in a formal outline with MLA works cited page. The object is to break the question down into small pieces for closer inspection. What evidence/facts/perspectives can help your group answer their question?

Investigation Each group member researches, investigates and then presents their assigned topic to help the group become more knowledgable.

Analysis continued: Sharing and discussing Where’s the discussion? Ask group members clarifying and probing questions. Make connections and bridge your thinking to what’s been presented. Ask critical questions to help the group consider more deeply the matter at hand.

Step Four: Suggestions- brainstorm for synthesis, solutions, conclusions At this point it is best to propose as many solutions as possible. BRAINSTORMING. At this point all ideas are honored.

Step Five: Evaluate your solutions based on your earlier criteria Does your solution meet the criteria? Can you connect suggested solutions to create one large solution. Is the solution feasible? Is the solution coherent? Is the conclusion logical?

Step Six: Suggest ways for Testing and Carrying out the solution. What follow-ups are needed? Who now does what? State conclusions and findings that have resulted from your group’s discussion.

How do I participate? Be clear and simple. Be prepared. Encourage members to react to your ideas.  Do you have any questions?  Ask questions of others.  Use eye contact.  Be positive. Question the ideas – not the person.  Work to stay on topic.  Keep the discussion Going.

Participation Be alert to the group moving to the next phase of the discussion. Actively listen. Help all group members contribute to the process. Be conscious of pausing, paraphrasing, and advocating for ideas. Know that you have the ability to “take your ideas off the table” so to speak, as you develop awareness. Work on Transitions.

Questions: Fact: Has America overcome racism? Personal experience, opinion, anecdotal evidence prior knowledge Policy: What educational, social, economic, and cultural structures are needed to insure equal opportunity and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans?

Read page 5 through top of page 9 Answer – What is a question of fact What is a question of value What is a question of policy How do they form the basis of formal discussion And debate?

For the analysis portion of our group discussion Each group member will prepare a 2 to 3 minute analysis with evidence based on your research to share to the group. Work for coherence and clarity! Please let the group know the sites that you used to gain insights into the question.

Criteria for Group Discussion 15 points Active listening, eye contact, participation, and encouragement of others to participate 10 points Follows the group discussion format, on-task, positive contributions.

Discussion Group Timeline Jan. Complete round table questions and practice responses – questioning techniques. Friday -Decide on topic and develop guiding question. Decide on subtopics to research and present to group for informed decision making. Research if time. Create Criteria for Solution. Jan. : This is your class day to research and create your individual presentation for group.

Two discussion topics – two formats 1) Round Table Discussion – not problem solving More informal, opportunity to practice discussion skills 2) Problem solving discussion – more in depth offer viable solutions and present recommendations

Round Table Discussion – 1A and problem solving discussion Poverty Affordable Housing Hunger Unemployment Stigmatizing the victim – Culture of Rape – women issues Sexism – Glass ceiling – 77 cents to the dollar? Religious Discrimination Gang Violence Rights of children – Child labor and child slavery

Brainstorming for topics Negative perceptions and discrimination against mental illness Societal Beauty Homophobia Rising costs of college tuition Drug testing Technology in schools Creating a new department at providence

1A round table discussion

3A questions for Round Table discussion How should schools use technology to advance student learning? How should Providence get the most benefit from IPAD ‘s?