IPHREHAB : Group Discussion Methods and Procedures

IPHREHAB

Group Discussion Methods and Procedures

Research has shown that participants in Extension educational programs strongly prefer interactive delivery methods, which allow them to learn new information by seeing, experiencing, and discussing. In working with groups, Extension educators often find it easier to provide opportunities for seeing and experiencing than for discussion. This fact sheet briefly describes methods that can be used to promote effective discussions in learner groups. When used as one part of a broader program delivery system, these methods can be very helpful in facilitating the learning process.

Discussion Methods

Panel. 

In a panel discussion, a small group of individuals (from three to five) who are knowledgeable about a particular subject discuss the topic among themselves in front of an audience. Panel participants make no formal presentations; they exchange ideas through conversation.

Dialogue. 

This method is very similar to a panel discussion, but only two individuals take part in discussing the subject in front of an audience.

Symposium. In a symposium, a small number of speakers who are knowledgeable about a particular subject make short presentations in succession. These presentations usually range from five to fifteen minutes each.

Forum.

This form of discussion allows for participation by the audience. There are several types of forums. The most common are:

Open forum: Members of the audience are allowed to participate at any time during the meeting.

Panel-forum: Members of an audience hear a panel discussion and are then allowed to ask questions or to comment on the subject under discussion.

Symposium-forum: Members of the audience hear presentations by invited speakers and are then allowed to question, discuss, or comment.

Dialogue-forum: Members of the audience are allowed to question, discuss, or comment after the dialogue.

Lecture-forum: After a formal presentation by a knowledgeable speaker, audience members are given the opportunity to question, comment, seek clarification, or discuss the information presented.

Colloquy. 

This method combines a panel discussion with a forum. During the course of a panel discussion, audience members may be invited to comment or ask questions if panel members or the chair perceive a need to clarify points, avoid neglecting an issue, or assure that a misperception is not allowed to stand. Any interruptions of the panel discussion must be focused on the point at hand. When the matter has been resolved, the organized discussion among panel members resumes.

Buzz Session.

The audience is divided into groups of six to eight persons for discussion of relevant questions posed by the leader. One individual from each group may be asked to summarize the group's discussion and report to the entire audience.

Audience Reaction Team. 

Three to five members of the audience are preselected to listen to a presentation and respond by offering a brief summary and interpretation of the information presented. This discussion method can be used effectively in large group settings and when time is limited.

Question Period. 

Members of the audience are provided an opportunity to ask questions of program participants after their formal presentations have been completed. Usually, a time limit is set for each question and for the entire question-and-answer period.

Brainstorming. 

Members of the audience are encouraged to participate by sharing their ideas or suggestions for solving a problem. No discussion of each point is allowed until all ideas have been expressed. Since the intent of this discussion method is to generate a wide range of ideas, no contributor is allowed to defend the information presented. The atmosphere should be open and encouraging.

Discussion Group. 

A group of people meet informally to discuss a topic of mutual concern.

Workshop. 

A small group of people (25 or fewer) with a common interest meet to study, research, and discuss a specific subject or to enhance their individual knowledge and proficiency.

Seminar. 

A group of people who are studying a specific subject meet for a discussion led by a recognized authority.

Conference. 

Large or small groups of people having similar interests meet to hear formal presentations to the entire group; they also meet in smaller groups to discuss specific aspects of the conference's general topic. 

IPHREHAB : VIRGINITY , CURIOSITY , ADVICE FOR TEENAGER

IPHREHAB
Virginity, lost it yet?
A recent survey states the average age for losing virginity is 17.
Is that so or are teenagers getting sexually active even earlier? lets explores ...
Studies have revealed that children, these days, are losing their virginity at a very young age. Experts say that with the average age of puberty going down to 9-10 years for girls and 10-11 years for boys, the average age for losing virginity too is going down. And the deadly paring with this is — awareness about sex is more these days and information (not always from the right sources) is freely available. Television, movies and most prominently the Internet is loaded with extremely easily accessible information and graphic details. This, most of the time, helps to entice the youngsters to experiment, who already have hormones raging through them.


Principal of an international high school says, "I have been dealing with children for a long time and I do believe that children these days are losing their virginity very early. They get attracted to each other and are tempted to take it all further."


Curiosity killed the cat
Psychiatrist says, "It's human nature to be curious. A teenager would definitely want to experiment and experience the information he/she has heard about sex. For certain kids who are more shy, withdrawn and introverts, social networking sites are best for communication. Kids who may be new to exploring sexuality or may have a high drive, do indulge in cyber sex or phone sex at times." Anju Uppal adds, "They are much more aware of things these days and they are very keen to experiment."


Lack of attention from parents
With most parents working, kids are without proper supervision (a maid would not even understand the nuances of phone or cyber sex) and free to do as they like. "Sometimes the attention from the parents is not enough, kids may indulge in these things just to attract negative attention from parents," says Dr Chhabria.


Family history
Children who are from broken families are prone to indulge in flings with multiple partners without emotional attachments. Seema Hingorrany, clinical psychologist adds, "When there is a marital discord between parents the children may try to cling to their relationships and are ready to lose their virginity to hold on to it."


Sex isn't taboo anymore
Sex in our society is also not such a taboo as it used to be earlier and virginity is not such a big deal. Psychotherapist Shilpa Raheja agrees, "Virginity has lost its sacred value. 'Saving your virginity for marriage' is something that is even laughed at these days by some people." This attitude, though not very common is accepted.


Influence of alcohol
Is influence of alcohol or substance abuse one of the reasons that lead to lowering the age of sexual activity among children? Dr Chhabria says, "It may not be one of the reasons but it may stimulate the sexual urge further for them to indulge in sex. Also substance and alcohol tend to reduce the anxiety towards sex and alter consciousness which definitely plays a major role in letting the person freely perform sex."


Peer-group pressure
To have a boyfriend or girlfriend is like a status symbol say experts. "So much of 'hanging around' at pubs, cafes and discos are happening. You need a girl in your arms when you walk in to a party," says Shilpa. There are children who have their reasons for absistence but sometimes they are counteracted upon in a very strong way by the friends and the peer group. "Friends often provide the means when a parent refuses," says Anju.


Proper education needed
Yes we all know sex education is provided in schools. Period. But with rampant teenage pregnancies it obviously is not enough. Shilpa says, "Talking openly about sex is still not common. Parents usually want some other organisation to do the sex-talk with their kids."


Effects on children
Seema says, "In the last five years I have seen the number rise rapidly. Around 50-75 per cent young girls and guys lose their virginity much before they are anywhere near adulthood. And this affects them mentally. When kids are in Std 5, they have crushes and before they are in college most lose their virginity. When such a relationship does not work out depression hits them. There are anxiety disorders, eating disorders and feelings of guilt that may ruin their childhood."


Expert advice for parents
A good relationship between parents may be important where both have similar parenting styles. Parents need to be role models and need to make their child see how important is love, affection, care and commitment in a relationship. They need to explain that sex is something precious to be shared with the person you love and not just an act of physical satisfaction.


The emotional problems that come up with losing virginity at an early age and that come along with multiple partners needs to be explained to your child with a lot of patience. Children also need to understand that their parents are the one who they need to confide into. Also all information from friends and elsewhere needs to be confirmed as it may not always be true. Children also need to judge better for themselves what is right and wrong and what will be good for them in the future.


Advice for teenagers
-The only way you can guarantee that you won't catch a sexually transmitted disease and won't get pregnant is abstinence.
- No one can force you into it. 'If you loved me you'd do it', can be countered with a 'If you really loved me you would wait'.
- Saying a no to a person even if it is someone you have said a yes to earlier, is perfectly okay.
- Always keep in mind that despite what rumors and gossip may suggest, virgins are a majority in most high schools, not a minority.
- If you want to show someone how much you care intercourse is not the only way to go about it. Don't let others try to convince you otherwise.
- If you kiss someone passionately does not mean that you have to go on to having sex with them.