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.
