PANEL DISCUSSION

All techniques of higher learning require the discussion among the participants.The
discussion provides the equal opportunities in the instructional situation to every participant.
The discussion technique of the learning is based on the modern theory of organization. The
assumption of this theory is that every member of the organization has the capacity to initiate
and solve the problem and brings certain attitude and values to the organization. Thus
interactional technique is the most appropriate in democratic way of life.
Definition
“Panel discussion is a discussion in which a few people carry on a conversation in front of the
audience”. R.Sudha
“The panel method is a discussion in which 4 to 8 persons who are qualified to talk about the
topic , sit and discuss a given problem in the topic, in front of large group of audience”.
Prof.Harry A
Purpose
 To produce the features for the benefit of a large group.
 It is a socialised group conversation in which different points of view are presented
 Panel discussion stimulus thought and discussion and clarifies thinking.
 The quick exchange of facts, opinion and plan trends to develop more critical attitude
and better judgement.
 It can be helpful to stimulate discussion encouraging thinking and developing group
opinion.
Objectives of Panel Discussion
The following are the main objectives of the technique.
 To provide information and new facts.
 To analyze the current problem from different angle.
 To identify the values.
 To organize for mental recreation.
 It is based on the modern theory of organisation.
The Group Discussion is of 2 Types
1. Public panel discussion.
2. Educational panel discussion.
Public Panel Discussion
This type of panel discussion are organized for the common men problems. Three type of
objectives are achieved by this kinds of discussion.
 To provide factual information regarding current problems.
 To determine the social values.
 To recreate the common men.
  The public panel discussion are organized in the television program. The current
problem sun employment, annual budget, increase in the price of things, jobs
delinking with degrees, emerging diseases etc.
Educational Panel Discussion
It is used in educational institutions to provide factual land conceptual knowledge and
clarification of certain principles and theories. Sometimes there are organized to find out the
solution to the certain problems.
The following three objectives are achieved by the educational technique,,
 To provide factual information and concept knowledge.
 To give awareness about theories and principles.
 To provide solution of certain problems.
This type of panel discussion are very useful but they are not used in an any institution even
at higher level. The conferences, seminar, symposium and workshops are commonly
organized. These techniques provide the situation for group discussion but of for different
types. The situation of panel discussion is usually of autocratic where as the other techniques
have democratic situation of group discussions.
Procedure of Panel Discussion
A panel discussion consists of 4 types of persons. It means 4 roles are played in organizing
panel discussion.
 Instructor
 Moderator
 Panelists
 Audience
Instructor
In the panel discussion most important role is of instructor. It is the responsibility of
instructor how, where and when panel discussion will be organized. The schedule of panel
discussion is prepared by him, sometimes he has to plan rehearsal also
Moderator
In the discussion moderator has to keep the discussion on theme and encourages the
interaction among the members. He has to summarize and high light the discussion more
often. The moderator must have the mastery on the theme or problem of the discussion.
Panelists
There are 4 to 10 panellists in the discussion. The members of the panellist in semi circle
before the audience. The moderator sits in the middle of the panellist. The panellist must have
the mastery on the theme of the discussion.
Audience
After the panel discussion audience are allowed to participate and seek clarification. They can
present their points of view and their experiences regarding the them or problem, the panellist
attempt to answer the questions of the audience. In some situations moderator also tries to
answer the question.
Panel Discussion Technique
 chairperson and 4 to 8 speakers sit in front of the large audience
 Chairperson opens the meeting,welcome the group and then invites the panel speakers
to present their view.
 In panel discussion there is no specific agenda no order of speaking and no set of
speeches
 The chairperson can interact in the form of questions and simple statement related to
topic to any of the speaker without any order form.
 At the end , after exploration of many aspects of subject by speaker ,the chairperson
opens the discussion for audience by inviting them to participate in discussion.
Uses of Panel Discussion
The instructional technique has the following advantages
 This technique encourages social learning.
 The higher cognitive and affective objectives are achieved
 It is used to develop the ability of problem solving and logical thinking.
 It develops the interests and right type and attitude towards problem.
 It develops the capacity to respect others idea and feelings and ability of tolerance.
 It provides the opportunity of assimilation of theme and content.
Characteristics of Panel Discussion
The followings are the main characteristics of panel discussion technique.
 It is used to college and university level to organize teaching at reflective level.
 It develops the ability of problem solving.
 It provides the opportunity to understand nature problem theme and giving their point
of view logically.
 It develops right type of attitude and ability to tolerate anti ideas of others.
 It develops the ability of creative thinking and to criticize the theme.
 It develops the manners of putting questions and answering questions.
Limitations of Panel Discussion Technique
The following are the limitations of this technique.
 There are chances to deviate from tem at time of discussion, hence the purpose of the
panel discussion technique is not achieved.
 Some members demonstrate the discussion and do not provide the opportunities to
participate others in discussion.
  There is possibility to split the group into2 sub groups i.e. For and against the theme.
It does not maintain the conductive situation of learning.
 If the panellists belong to different groups, it may not create appropriate learning
situation.
Suggestions For Organizing Panel Discussion
The following suggestions should be taken into consideration to organize effective panel
discussion...
 There should be rehearsal before the actual panel discussion.
 The moderator should be matured person and have the full understanding of theme or
problems. He should have to control over the situation.
 The seating arrangement for the panellists and audience should be such that everyone
should be equidistance. They can observe each other.
 The moderator should encourage the discussion on the points and which may lead to
constructive aspect of the problem. He should encourage the constructive discussion
among panellists and audience.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Bhaskar Nima, text book of nursing education, published by Emmess, edition 1 st ,
page no:136-138
 Sudha R , Nursing education principles and concepts, jaypee publication, first edition,
page no:87
 B Shankarnarayanm, learning and teaching nursing ,fourth edition, jaypee publication,
page no 119.