 Discussion: A cooperative exchange of information, opinions, and ideas.  One of the best methods for solving problems  Group members bring all sides of a problem to the surface for consideration.  Having the Right Attitude for Group Work:  Open minded  Interact in a cooperative manner, not competitive

 Discussion is dynamic  You can change your minds as you hear new ideas  Discussion requires patience  Can seem slow since each member is allowed to speak  Discussion is the basis of our Democratic system  Find ways to solve problems through sharing information, ideas, and feelings

 Panel Discussion  Relatively informal discussion that takes place in front of an audience  Members sit facing the audience  Members usually talk to each other  Symposium  Present opposing points of view  Invited experts deliver short speeches on a subject  After being introduced, each speaker stands and faces the audience

 Town Hall Meeting  Dates back to early American colonies  Colonists would assemble in a large hall  A vote usually taken to settle the issue  Qhk Qhk

 Group Size  Four to Seven members is best for a group  Less than Four: Lack the diversity needed for spark  Groups of Seven to Ten: Discourage quiet people from talking  More than Ten: A few people talk, most people just listen

 Seating Arrangements  If someone takes a central position (at the head of a U-shaped group of chairs), or in the front of a row, talk usually flows to or through that person.  If the group is in a circle, everyone can easily look at one another and talk flows from one person to another.  People who sit in groups tend to feel more satisfied with their participation

 Cohesion  Cohesion: when members have respect for each other, share similar values, and look to each other for support  If belonging to a group is important, members will be more cohesive  Group membership offers: a chance to socialize, feel a sense of purpose, remain loyal, etc…

 Define the problem:  Understand the problem  Establish what problems will not be considered  Establish Criteria for a Workable Solution:  Decide on Criteria, a set of standards that the solution must meet.

 Analyze the Problem:  Break the problem down into smaller pieces for closer inspection  Suggest Possible Solutions  Brainstorming: Bombard the problem with fresh ideas  The obvious solution is not always the best  No solution should be accepted until several have been proposed, examined, and compared

 Evaluate Each Solution and Select the Best One  Refer back to criteria  Make a careful comparison  Determine which solutions meet the criteria  Suggest Ways for Testing or Carrying Out the Solution  Make sure the solution is practical  Give your solution a quick test, if possible

 Conflict as a Positive Force  Constructive Conflict: Members use their differences to discover the best ideas.  By analyzing different ideas, groups may become less committed to the status quo  Disruptive Conflict  Polarizes members  Nitpickers, Fence Setters, Wise Crackers, Superior Beings, Dominators (pp )

 Active Listening  Even if you do not have anything to say, you are still participating  Be impartial  Be attentive and Courteous  Preparing for Discussion  Take time to review notes, research, and think about the problem beforehand  Contributing as a Leader  Do not wait for a leader to emerge  Designate or elect a leader

 Getting the Meeting Started  Questions for Fact: Recall information that touches on the business at hand  Questions of Interpretation: Asks for opinions on what the information means  Questions of Evaluation: Ask members to agree or disagree with possible solutions and make judgments

 Keep the Discussion Going  Good leaders work to see that everyone participates  Leaders provide occasional paraphrases  Set an example  Recognize and praise group members contributions  Avoid negative nonverbal signals.

 Close the Discussion  Be alert that the signs that the group is ready to quit (repeating, take up minor points, or wander from the question)  Reach a consensus, or a nearly unanimous agreement  Do not give up argument or consensus too easily  Avoid “Group Think”, or going along with the group and abandoning your own ideas and beliefs