Group Discussion Evaluation By Kathie P. Simmons, RN, BSN Kwame Opoku-Agyemang, RN, BSN

GROUP DISCUSSION EVALUATION  Describes how to evaluate effectiveness of strategy  Does method help achieve stated objectives  Is learning activity accessible to the target group of learners (Bastable, 2008).

GROUP DISCUSSION EVALUATION  Scrutinizes efficiency of - method given - time used - energy expended - resources available - cost-effectiveness (Bastable, 2008).

GROUP DISCUSSION EVALUATION  Analyzes which method allows for active, participation to:  - accommodate needs  -abilities  -learner style  (Bastable, 2008).

GROUP DISCUSSION SUMMARY  The action will be fruitless if the planning is devoid of:  the learners’ characteristics  behavioral objectives  teacher characteristics  resources available to the institution (Bastable, 2008)

GROUP DISCUSSION SUMMARY  Group becomes more cohesive:  -trust & support typically build -naturally quiet members are willing to engage in interaction without fear of being misunderstood  (Watson, Michaelsen & Sharp 1991)

GROUP DISCUSSION SUMMARY  Inherent benefits as a tool for both affective & cognitive domains  Shyness, overwhelming dominant members & high group diversity are identified as shortcomings unique to this method. (Bastable, 2008).

GROUP DISCUSSION SUMMARY  Learners may need to be tactfully redirected in a manner that lessens their influence on the group without damaging the trust of other group member s  (Bastable, 2008).

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