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Appendix A
SPEAKING IN SMALL GROUPS
Some instructors definitely want material on small group presentations. Others simply have no
time for this topic. This appendix includes information on the advantages and disadvantages of
groups and then guides students through the process of working with an investigative team and
with a problem solving team. It provides information about how to conduct meetings and how to
present the group’s findings.
Appendix A Goals
At the end of this appendix, your students should be able to:
•
List advantages and disadvantages of group work
•
Describe how an investigative team works
•
Explain what should happen in each team meeting
•
Compare and contrast men’s and women’s speaking tendencies in small group interactions
•
Describe five steps in a problem solving method
•
Share four common formats for presenting group findings
Appendix A Outline
I.
Group work has both advantages and disadvantages.
A.
There are at least five advantages.
1.
Groups have access to more information and more knowledge than a single
individual does.
2.
A variety of viewpoints lead to opportunities for more creative ideas to emerge.
3.
Group work provides a deeper level of involvement and learning.
4.
Many people enjoy working in groups.
5.
Group members co-create meaning in dialogical interactions.
B.
Groups also have several disadvantages.
1.
Working in groups takes more time.
2.
Some group members work harder than others do.
3.
Some members may dominate and monopolize the discussion.
4.
Members tend toward groupthink, when members conform to avoid conflict.
II.
Investigative teams should have several meetings.
A.
In the first meeting, team members get acquainted.
1.
They share their interest in and knowledge of the subject.
2.
They sometimes choose a leader.
B.
Gatekeepers make sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates.
C.
Recorders take notes or minutes on what transpires during the meeting.
1.
They should divide up the topic and make assignments.
2.
Before breaking up, they set a date, place, and time for the next meeting.
D.
In additional meetings, members discuss their results of their investigations.
1.
Begin by reading minutes from the previous meeting.
2.
Use an agenda that lists in order the items for discussion.
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3.
Hold team members accountable for summarizing their assigned research.
4.
Analyze the information, identify gaps, find themes, organize the material.
5.
Have each member specify what she or he will do before the next meeting.
6.
Continue meetings until information gathering and organization are finished.
E.
In the final meeting, team members polish the presentation, finalize details, and rehearse.
III.
Problem solving teams commonly follow a process or method.
A.
Step one is to define the problem.
1.
State the issue as a policy issue, using the word “should.”
2.
Use an open rather than closed question.
3.
State the question objectively, eliminating overly emotional wording.
B.
Step two is to analyze the problem.
1.
Look for facts and history.
2.
Ask causes—both primary and secondary—and look for effects.
3.
Identify cultural values that apply.
4.
Find precedents or relevant policies.
C.
In step three, set criteria for deciding on the solution by asking what’s required and
what’s desired.
D.
In step four, list possible solutions.
1.
Brainstorm by inviting ideas without judgment from everyone in the group.
2.
Revise criteria, as determined in step three, if necessary.
E.
Step five involves selecting the best solution.
1.
Select the solution by comparing the solution against the criteria.
2.
Eliminate some options immediately.
3.
Weigh the merits of the remaining choices and find one that group members will
accept.
IV.
Present the group’s findings both in written and oral form.
A.
Create a final report in which only one member speaks for the group.
B.
Use a symposium format.
1.
All group members participate, one at a time.
2.
Each prepares a presentation on only a part of the whole topic.
3.
Often a question-and-answer period follows.
C.
Present group findings in a panel format.
1.
All group members participate in dialogical interactions.
2.
A moderator or leader guides the discussion topics and participants.
D.
In the final report format, one member presents for the entire group.