BUZZ SESSION

 A buzz session is formed by 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.
ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
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 audience’s needs are met with greater
satisfaction. Provides valuable information to
resource persons.
DISADVANTAGES
Effectiveness of the group may be lowered
by the immature behaviour of a few.
It may not be effective for younger groups
or groups that know each other too well to
take each other’s opinions seriously.
It can be time-consuming when dealing with
very large groups.
LIMITATIONS
 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 conductive to this technique. Participants can be
asked to discuss in groups of three, in which case the
discussion should be brief.
 The group must be well prepared by the teacher in
order to keep the group on topic.
 It is not intended to be a full meeting but used as a
supplement to other methods.
REFERENCES:

 Buzz Session.
http://www.cemcq.qc.ca/en/documents/VM-
039.pdf

 Buzz Group.
http://web.utk.edu/~ewbrewer/pdf/books/13%20p
roven%20ways/Buzz%20Groups.pdf