SLeading a Discussion










 Running an effective discussion session is perhaps the most diffi-
 cult communication task you face. Many so-called discussions are
 not discussions at all. They are occasions where someone gives a
 talk and then answers questions. But if we reserve the term for
 those occasions where every member of the group feels free to air
 his views or provide information, where the discussion leader
 behaves as not the only authority, then such discussions occur far
 less frequently than they should. Because a discussion group is a
 potent forum for learning.
 In a group where anyone may ask or answer questions, where
 anyone can clarify a misunderstanding, the members are learning
 from each other. They can form and adjust opinions without loss of
 respect or status. They can work together towards solving problems
 in a manner which gives full consideration to the experience and
 knowledge of all.
 Inevitably you will be involved in a number of work groups-from
 official staff meetings to informal gatherings of colleagues; from
 attendance at 4K clubs to women's groups. But this chapter is
 mainly concerned with the kinds of farmers' group you might
 establish yourself for the mutual exploration of problems and ideas.
 But what is said about the nature of groups and the problems of
 group management will apply to all those other groups too. How-
 ever, the focus of this chapter is on the factors to be taken into
 account when you yourself are the facilitator of a discussion group.
 What is said will have relevance for those occasions when, as part
 of a field day for instance, you want to move into a discussions
 phase-or for groups you might set up for regular and on-going
 discussions.