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

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

What Makes a Great Discussion?

Why use Discussion? l Increases motivation and persistence in learning l Improves learning outcomes because learners must –Articulate what they know and don’t know –Challenge their own assumptions –Connect and consolidate ideas l Increases communication skills l More likely to change values

Most Common Pitfalls l Lectures or talks too much l Fails to involve everyone l Fails to introduce self or session l Doesn’t make progress through content; allows too many tangents l No summary or conclusion l Doesn’t share self and think aloud

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

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

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

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

Summary l Summarize key points and provide closure l Bridge to larger course and/or next session l Review learning issues and make assignments l Share feedback on session

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

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

Jigsaw Process - Part I l Meet in content/chapter groups l Share lesson plans for 20 min. (Remember, no lectures allowed when teaching.) l 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 l Revise your lesson plan

Jigsaw Process - Part II l Assemble in cross-content groups l Lead a discussion on each chapter for 12 minutes each l Give feedback on experience (specific strengths and recommendations) for 3 minutes –Preview? –Involvement of all? –Content covered? –Summary?

Jigsaw Process - Part III l What did you learn from this experience? What surprised you? l What questions do you have? l What specific techniques will you use in your teaching?

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

Conclusion l Careful organization and active involvement enhances learning l Pick one of the tips to use in your next teaching encounter l Your enthusiasm will inspire learning and increase persistence in learning l Have fun.