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Buzz Session: Engaging Group Discussions

A buzz session involves dividing an audience into small groups to discuss an issue or task. Groups work simultaneously in the same room to allow for multiple discussions. Buzz sessions are commonly used at conferences to get more audience participation and feedback. They provide opportunities for participants to discuss in a less intimidating environment than a large group. Advantages include generating many ideas in a short time while allowing all participants to speak. Limitations include keeping the task simple and brief to avoid repetitive reports.

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Josh Cayabyab
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1K views1 page

Buzz Session: Engaging Group Discussions

A buzz session involves dividing an audience into small groups to discuss an issue or task. Groups work simultaneously in the same room to allow for multiple discussions. Buzz sessions are commonly used at conferences to get more audience participation and feedback. They provide opportunities for participants to discuss in a less intimidating environment than a large group. Advantages include generating many ideas in a short time while allowing all participants to speak. Limitations include keeping the task simple and brief to avoid repetitive reports.

Uploaded by

Josh Cayabyab
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Buzz Session: Explains the definition, conduct, advantages, and limitations of a buzz session in large group activities.

BUZZ SESSION

DFINITION
A buzz session consists in dividing an audience into small groups to discuss an issue or carry out a task. The groups work simultaneously in the same room (the word buzz comes from the resulting noise). The task is brief and relatively simple.

CONDUCT OF SESSION

USES

The session is incorporated into a large group activity, such as a conference. Groups may be set up in advance or on the spot. For example, in a banquet-style room, participants sit at round tables with each table constituting a discussion group. This is most appropriate arrangement. In the school-style arrangement, participants sit at a table arranged in rows facing the stage. Participants in even-numbered rows can be asked to turn around and discuss with those in odd-numbered rows in groups of four to six. In a theatre-style arrangement, where participants sit in rows without tables, participants can be asked to move their chairs. Describe the process: whether groups are supposed to choose a moderator and a spokesperson, the duration of the session, the type of report required. Specify each groups task. It can be a common one for all groups, or two complementary tasks can be assigned to one-half of the groups respectively or there can be a different task for each group. Ask participants to introduce themselves to each other before beginning their discussion. Let groups discuss for no more than 20 minutes. Warn them two minutes before the end.

To create an opportunity for discussion even in a large group. A buzz session gets more people to participate and is less intimidating than a forum. To identify an audiences needs and points of interest. To encourage the contribution of participants who would be reticent in a large group. To obtain participants feedback on the conduct of the activity. To warm up a group before a forum.

ADVANTAGES

A large number of ideas, issues and recommendations can be collected in a short time. Each participant has an opportunity to speak. Active participation is stimulated for the next activity. The audiences needs are met with greater satisfaction. Provides valuable information to resource persons.

LIMITATIONS Gather the results of the discussions. Contributions should be brief and focused. Avoid repetitions by asking for new input only. A report from each group is often useless; participants may be simply asked if they have something new to add or only a few examples can be collected. Reports can be submitted in writing, compiled during a break and reported at the plenary session in the form of a synthesis.

The task has to be kept simple. Examples: identify an advantage and a disadvantage; make a suggestion; prepare a question, identify a problem, etc. A theatre arrangement with stationary seats is not as conducive to this technique. Participants can be asked to discuss in groups of three, in which case the discussion should be brief.

HB-039

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1/1 BUZZ SESSION DÉFINITION A buzz session consists in dividing an audience into small groups to discuss an issue or carry ou

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