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

2. 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

3. What Makes a Great Discussion?

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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?

15. 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?

16. 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

17. 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.