DG 101: A DG on How to DG
An Information Dissemination and Opinion Solicitation Discussion Group on the Basics of Conducting an Effective Discussion Group
July 16, 2010 4:00PM UP ETC Tambayan
Facilitator: Kehrl Meeno Reyes
Objectives:
1. To reinforce the members’ knowledge on conducting a discussion group
2. To give an orientation to the applicants on discussion groups
3. To gather suggestions and comments in order to improve the quality of discussion groups
Definition of Terms:
a. Discussion Group
- “cooperative and relatively systematic process in which a group of persons exchange and evaluate ideas and information In order to understand a subject or solve a problem”
b. Objectives of a Discussion Group
- “to exchange or share ideas, information on a subject” (opinion solicitation and information dissemination)
- “to arrive at a decision or course of action on a problem or difficulty” (stand-making)
c. Primer
- An outline of the discussion group distributed to the attendees of the DG in order to guide them on the order/transition of the discussion proper
Pre-Discussion:
a. Choosing a Topic
- Relevance
- Timeliness
b. Looking for References
- Credibility
- “Wikipedia Syndrome”
c. Setting Objectives
- Questions to Ponder
- Attainability
d. Preparation of Primer
- Outline
- Conciseness
e. Consultation with the DG Coordinator
- The roles of the DG Coordinator are: to make a schedule of the upcoming DG’s; to choose a facilitator for a particular DG; to coordinate with the facilitator and the Externals Committee regarding the preparations for a DG; to check the primer draft; to post the primer in the UP ETC’s website every DG.
- It is advisable to consult the aide of the DG Coordinator a week before the scheduled discussion group
f. Venue Reservation
- The usual venue for discussion groups is the UP ETC Tambayan
- However, there are events (ie. UP ETC Anniversary, Extended DG, Open DG etc.) wherein room rental is advisable
- Reservations require a letter of request to be submitted to the office of the college secretary
- Note that reservations shall be done a week before the DG Proper in order to avoid conflicts of schedule, unexpected shelling out of money, or worse, unavailability of rooms
g. Publicity
- In order to promote the discussion groups, making a poster is advisable for publicity
h. Technical Preparations
- Always remember to remind the people responsible for bringing the gadgets needed in a DG (ie. LCD Projector, Microphone etc.)
Discussion Proper:
a. Roles of the Facilitator
- to discuss the facts about the issue in focus
- to make sure that the discussion would be bounded by the issue involved
b. Roles of the Audience
- Show respect to the people speaking
- Participate actively by asking questions and giving opinions
- Avoid “groups within a group”
- One shall be responsible for note-taking
Post Discussion:
a. DG Evaluation
- Facilitation
- Behavior of the attendees
- Facts
- Primer
- Publicity
Common Problems:
a. Noise
b. Lack of Facts/Information
c. Intimidation
d. Time Management
Guide Questions:
1. What other things could you suggest to further increase the effectiveness of Discussion Groups?
2. Question for the members: In totality, how would you describe the discussion groups you have attended so far?
3. Question for the applicants: What are your expectations on future discussion groups?
References:
1. Books:
-COMM.3 Practical Speech Fundamentals by Dr. Celia T. Bulan and Ianthe C. de Leon
2. Documents:
- 2010 Externals Committee Year-Long Concept Paper
