ERIC Number: ED233623
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 38
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Handbook for Group Discussion Leaders: Alternatives to Lecturing Medical Students to Death.
Whitman, Neal A.; Schwenk, Thomas L.
A guide for group discussion leaders that may be useful for medical school teachers is presented. One objective is to help the teacher know when group discussion is appropriate. It is suggested that both the lecture method and group discussion can facilitate cognitive learning but at different levels, and that group discussions are helpful if there are prior attitudes that interfere with cognitive objectives. The following approaches to group discussion are recommended: the learners should share leadership in the discussion process; the teacher should demonstrate an attitude of self-awareness, openness, and tolerance of learners' opinions; and the teacher should maintain a relaxed attitude. A taxonomy including six characteristics is presented, which classifies the discussion as either teacher-centered, group-centered, or learner-centered. Guidelines cover planning the group discussion, including the physical facilities and group size, as well as the following teaching techniques: questioning, brainstorming, and case-based reasoning. Finally, the evaluation of group discussion is covered. An observation tool is appended that includes the following: organization of the subject, teacher traits, session characteristics, session planning, teaching techniques, and session evaluation. (SW)
Descriptors: Case Studies, Course Organization, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Evaluation Criteria, Group Discussion, Higher Education, Lecture Method, Medical Education, Medical School Faculty, Questioning Techniques, Questionnaires, Student Teacher Relationship, Teacher Attitudes, Teaching Guides
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 ($5.00 each for first 20 copies, $3.00 each for next 80 copies).
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Utah Univ., Salt Lake City. School of Medicine.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: For related document, see HE 016 011.