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What are the responsibilities involved in group discussion?

l. What does the leader do?

Prior to discussion, the leader

1.

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Reads information on the topic and
a. Lists the main ideas
b. Recognizes potential controversy
Prepares a sense of purpose statement and outlines
the main points
Prepares introductory and on-going questions
Arranges physical setting
Plans for group participation by
a. Review responsibilities of group membership
b. Studying the characteristics of the group, i.e.,
age, sex, background, points of view, in order to
stimulate their interest and make use of their
experience

c. Trying to foresee the obstacles to effective partici-

pation that may arise
d. Encouraging the students to prepare
Prepares an introduction which will
a. Present the topic to be discussed
b. Introduce the topic with maps, films, pictures, etc.
c. Explain the importance of the topic
d. Encourage participation by all

During the discussion, the leader

Guides the discussion, being careful not to be too
aggressive or so retiring that chaos will result
Remains flexible despite any outline

Refrains from taking sides too early

Is sensitive to the needs of individual participants

Encourages a productive, informal conversation shared

Encourages and assists the students to evaluate and
try to improve their performance

 

Prepare by reading and thinking about the topic
Share their ideas and experience
Help one another to participate effectively

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4.
and the group as a whole
5.
by all students
6s
What do the participants do? They
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3.
4. Listen reflectively