Chapter 6: Using

Training Methods
FACILITATING GROUP DISUSSION
SELECTING BEST TRANING METHOD

Prepared by: Rivera

FACILITATING GROUP DISUSSION

SELECTING BEST TRANING METHOD

What is a group discussion?

-Group Discussion is a novel way to assess person's personality. It is
both a technique and an art to judge the capacity of the person and his
aptness for the job.
-The term suggests a discussion or exchange of views and thoughts
among a group of persons.
-a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of
topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all
members.
- A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good
discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or
facilitator can often be helpful. When the group numbers eight or more,
a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful
in ensuring an effective discussion.

What is an effective group discussion?

all members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own
ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts
All members of the group can hear others ideas and feelings stated
openly
Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed
Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and
constructive feedback. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely
clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases
delivered respectfully.
A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed
The discussion is not dominated by any one person
Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas
and opinions, not on personalities
Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the group is working
together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a
decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from
which it can move on to further discussion

When do we need for a group

discussion?

At the start of something new

When an issue can no longer be ignored
When groups need to be brought together

Roles of a Group facilitator

Create an inclusive environment
Encouraging participants
Guiding the discussion

Handling the Challenging People

The over-talker
The non-talker.
The tangent-starter
The insensitive person

How to lead a Group discussion

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Plan how you will conduct the discussion

Bring materials to help the discussion along
Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion
Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other
material beforehand
Put people at ease
Help the group establish ground rules
Generate an agenda or goals for the session
Lead the discussion

a) Setting the topic.

b) Involving all participants.
c) Summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, or ideas.

SELECTING BEST TRANING METHOD

FACILITATING GROUP DISUSSION

Overall Considerations
Before considering specific training techniques, ask yourself these questions:
What are your training goals for this session?
a) New skills
b) New techniques for old skills
c) Better workplace behavior
d) A safer workplace
A fair and equal workplace free of discrimination and harassment
Who is being trained?
a) New employees
b) Seasoned employees
c) Upper management
What is your training budget?
How much time has been allocated for training within your organization?
What training resources and materials do you have at your disposal?

Training Methods
Classroom or Instructor-Led Training

Hands-On Training

a)
b)
c)
d)

a)
b)
c)
d)

Cross-training
Coaching
Apprenticeships
Drills

)
a)
b)
c)
d)

Online or E-Learning
Web-based training.
Tele- or videoconferencing.
Audioconferencing.
Online colleges and universities.

Blackboard or whiteboard.
Overhead projector.
Video portion.
Storytelling

Interactive Methods
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

Quizzes
Small group discussions
Case studies.
Active summaries
Q & A sessions
Question cards
Role-playing