Overview
Large group discussions provide key advantages to learners and facilitators:
- Requires students to engage more deeply with the material than a traditional lecture
- Provides a low-stakes venue for assessment of learner knowledge
- Demonstrates the importance of shared knowledge construction and collaboration among learners.
Unlike a lecture, the instructor is less able to direct the exact content raised in a large group discussion. It is important to be flexible and have a backup plan when the discussion is derailed due to silence or tangential conversations.
Discussions require the instructor to be very familiar with the content since the nature of questions from learners cannot always be anticipated.
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” - H.E. Luccock
Key Learning Points
- Guided large group discussion is an effective way to promote deeper learner engagement with the material.
- Large group discussions require a lot of preparation in anticipation of learner questions and challenges.
- Clear instructions and adequate time for summarization and review maximize the efficacy of group discussion activities.
Guiding Principles
A successful large group discussion requires a great deal of planning from the instructor. Effective large group activities begin with clear instructions, utilize techniques to initiate discussion, promote task adherence and provide sufficient time for summarization and review.
Getting Started
- The beginning of any large group discussion will set the tone for the remainder of the activity. Plan this crucial step ahead of time.
- Begin with providing clear instructions for the activity, including how much time you plan to allot for discussion and summarization.
- To ‘warm up’ the room, begin with a starter technique, such as a minute of low-stakes writing or pairing with a neighbor to discuss prior knowledge. Watch this video for an example of starter technique.
During the Discussion
Keeping it Going
Large group discussions can be derailed quickly by a lack of participation, tangential conversations, or dominating voices.
To promote participation, consider the following tactics:
- Give students time to respond. Wait at least 10 seconds after you pose a question to rephrase or restate it.
- Phrase questions in a non-threatening manner. For example, instead of, “What do the American Heart Association guidelines recommend for the initial treatment of atrial fibrillation?”, try “What do you know about the treatment of atrial fibrillation?”
- Brief, paired or small group work with a designated group spokesperson to share out
- Implement an intentional method for calling on students. (See Classroom Management module.)
Getting Back on Track
Sometimes discussions can veer off track and that can be okay briefly, especially if the conversation is respectful and intellectual. To bring the group back to the planned activity, try:
- Simply acknowledging being off task. “We’ve strayed a bit from the material important for you to know when you begin internship and I would like to take us back there.”
- Pick up on a related thread and tie it back into the planned activity.
Managing the Discussion
There may be learners who dominate the discussion, while there may be learners who sit quietly not participating. See discussion in the Teaching in Small Groups module for strategies to promote balanced participation.
Summarizing
It is vital to leave sufficient time at the end of a large group discussion for summarization. Be sure to review your key points before the conclusion of your session.
Wrap Up
Large group discussions are an effective means for students to engage more deeply with the material. Instructors must be flexible and prepared to utilize techniques to promote task adherence and participation. Like any teaching session, leaving adequate time for summarization and review is vital.
References
Davis, B.G. Tools for Teaching. Second Ed. Jossey-Bass, 2009.
Lang, J.M. On Course: A Week-by-Week Guide to your First Semester of College Teaching. Harvard University Press, 2008.