University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

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Group Methods and Techniques

group drawing

F. Richard Rohs
Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication

Introduction
Audience Reaction Team
Brainstorming
Buzz Session
Case Study
Colloquy
Committee
Conference
Convention
Demonstration
Discussion Group
Field Trip or Tour
Forum
Games
Institute
Interview
Lecture or Speech
Listening Team
Panel
Question Period
Role Playing
Seminar
Short Course
Skit
Symposium
Workshop
Additional Methods, Techniques and Devices in Group Education
How to Select Methods and Techniques
References
Check List of Methods

Introduction

Variety in program presentations heightens audience interest and promotes active participation. Programs using the methods and techniques suggested in this booklet will involve a larger portion of the membership of your group. Attendance will improve as new resources are tapped. The personal satisfaction derived from more lively meetings will make for a larger, more active and more responsive membership.

This booklet is designed to give people a brief overview of a variety of group methods and techniques that have been used to good effect by many groups and organizations. The aim is not to produce experts in methodology or to provide a comprehensive covering of all such methodology. This publication does not consider the several techniques used in person-to-person or individual approaches to adult education, the audio-visual devices used in group activity, the mass media, and several written and visual approaches that may be classified as either group or mass methods, depending on location and type of use.

With each activity, you will find a definition of the activity, areas of most effective use, reasons for using the activity (or advantages), limitations in its use, physical requirements, and procedure to follow. Each of these subheadings is incomplete. With limitations of space, we’ve tried to list only the most important considerations under the subheadings.

For most effective use of the methods and techniques included here, additional study and reading are needed. Many books and pamphlets have been written on some of the activities listed here. Every general library is likely to have materials on educational methodology, and some are available from the headquarters of the professional societies serving the field.

Adapted to the needs and resources of your group, the methods and techniques listed here will help you develop more dynamic programs. Remember, however, that good presentation is no substitute for the selection of topics of genuine interest and concern to your group.

A Note on Definitions: Across the field of adult education, no full agreement on the terminology used to describe the methodology used in instruction has been reached. There appears to be general agreement on the following major classification:

Method:         the relationship or link between institution or agency conducting the educational program and the student or participant involved in the program.

Technique:    the relationship established by the individual agent or teacher and the way in which he or she arranges the relationships of learners and resources to assist the learners in the learning situation.

Disagreement comes when there is an effort to place a particular activity into this classification.

A secondary level of classification consists of sub-techniques, devices, educational aids, instructional materials and communications media used in various ways from time to time.

In group activity, broad terms such as meeting, classroom and community development are sometimes labeled as methods. Some educators try to avoid the pitfalls of definition by calling the methodology of adult education processes, procedures or activities. (Note that the term activity is used several times in this publication.)

Another classification concerns the size of the group to be reached. Of the 24 methods and techniques considered in this book, the following might be called large-group activities: audience reaction team, colloquy, conference, convention, forum, institute, interview, lecture or speech, listening team, panel and symposium. Buzz groups and committees represent efforts to apply small-group techniques to large groups to enhance the learning situation.

On the assumption that the practitioner is concerned more with the effective use of a tool than with its theoretical classification, no particular effort has been made to label or identify the 24 activities described in this book further than to call them methods and techniques. These two terms, although used interchangeably by the agents of adult education, and also by textbook authors, are generally understood by the educators of adults.

Audience Reaction Team

The audience reaction team is a group of three to five members of the audience who react to a speaker or other resource person. They may interrupt the speaker to seek immediate clarification of parts that are not clear and otherwise assist the speaker in meeting the needs of a specific audience.

The audience reaction team may be used ...

  1. To aid communication when the subject matter is likely to be difficult to understand.
  2. To provide feedback from audience to speaker, and to get the views of the audience represented when the audience is large.

Some advantages

  1. It makes possible the effective use of a speaker who otherwise might not effectively communicate with the audience.
  2. By being formally represented on the program, interest may be stimulated among audience members.
  3. It is fairly easy to organize.

Some limitations

  1. A speaker may object to the implication that he or she may be a poor communicator or to the interruptions during the presentation.
  2. The role of the majority of the audience is passive.
  3. Some members of the team may over-participate while others may be too timid to do the job asked of them.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A stage or a slightly raised platform large enough for the speakers, chairman and members of the reaction team.

Procedure

  1. The chairperson or moderator introduces the topic and describes the technique that is to be used, including an explanation of how the reaction team functions and some reasons for using it.
  2. The chairperson or moderator introduces the speaker to the audience with brief remarks about that person’s position, experience and special qualifications for this particular appearance.
  3. The team reacts at appropriate times.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a technique where create thinking takes precedence over the practical. The idea is to get out before the group all ideas possible, with no thought about how practical the ideas might be. The participants are urged to be as “free wheeling” and uninhibited as possible.

Brainstorming may be used ...

  1. To get as many new and novel ideas as possible before the group for evaluative discussion.
  2. To encourage practical-minded individuals to think beyond their day-to-day problems and to think quantitatively instead of qualitatively.
  3. To move out on a problem when more conventional techniques have failed to come up with a solution.

Some advantages

  1. Many people are thrilled at the freedom of expression inherent in brainstorming.
  2. Solutions to previously insoluble problems can be discovered.
  3. All members of the group can be encouraged to participate.

Some limitations

  1. Many individuals have difficulty getting away from the known practical.
  2. Many of the suggestions made may not be worth anything.
  3. In the evaluation session, it is necessary to criticize the ideas of fellow members.

Physical requirements

  1. A meeting room with a chalkboard or other surface on which the ideas produced can be written hurriedly and preserved for the followup discussion period.
  2. A conference table or semicircle arrangement to expedite discussion following the brainstorming.

Procedure

  1. The chairperson explains the procedure to be used and a recorder is selected to list the suggestions.
  2. As ideas are thrown out, they are recorded in public view.
  3. The ideas are discussed to determine if any have practical application to the problem at hand.

Buzz Session

The buzz session is a technique for directly involving every member of a large audience in the discussion process. The audience is divided into small groups (5 to 7 members) for a limited time (5 to 7 minutes) for a discussion where each member contributes ideas.

The buzz session may be used ...

  1. To develop questions for a speaker or panel.
  2. To discover areas in which the group would like more information or further study.
  3. To discover areas of special interest for future programs.
  4. To evaluate a meeting in terms of its value to the participants.

Some advantages

  1. Provides a source of fresh ideas of real interest to the group.
  2. When used in planning, it promotes individual identification with the program and its goals.
  3. It gives everyone a chance to participate without having to get up in front of the full meeting.

Some limitations

  1. The amount of individual participation is restricted by time.
  2. Contributions of the several groups may be contradictory or difficult to combine.

Physical requirements

  1. Moveable chairs facilitate quick organization of buzz groups. In an auditorium with fixed seats, the first three in the front row turn and face the three sitting behind them in the second row. The next three face those behind them, and so on.
  2. Cards and pencils to be distributed quickly while or before groups form.

Procedure

  1. The chairperson assigns limited and specific objectives to the buzz groups. Directions must be clear and explicit. If the audience is unfamiliar with the method, a demonstration group may be formed.
  2. Each group quickly chooses a leader and a recorder.
  3. The leader sees that every member has a say. The recorder makes a written record of each contribution on the card provided.
  4. The leader or recorder of each group gives an oral report to the entire assembly.

Case Study

The case study is a detailed account of an event or a series of related events that may be presented to an audience orally, in written form, or film or in a combination of these forms.

The case study may be used ...

  1. To present in detail to a group a problem with which the group is concerned.
  2. To present and study the solution of a problem similar to the one confronting the group.
  3. To teach the problem-solving process.

Some advantages

  1. Gives a detailed accounting of the case under study.
  2. Helps the learner to see various alternative solutions to the problem.
  3. Helps people develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Some limitations

  1. Some individuals may not see the relevance of the case being studied to their own situation or to the group’s problem.
  2. A considerable amount of time and study is often required to develop the study.
  3. Some group members are stimulated to over-participation while others may assume a non-participatory role.

Physical requirements

  1. Physical requirements vary with the type of presentation. If the case is presented through dramatic acting, a stage area is required. If visual aids are required in the presentation, the room should be suitable for this kind of presentation. If the case study is a written one, chairs and a large table may be the only necessities.

Procedure

  1. Materials are put into the hands of the participants in advance if the case study is in written form. Participants should read these before the meeting.
  2. Appropriate techniques to use during the presentation and discussion are selected and parts rehearsed if necessary.
  3. The chairperson or moderator introduces the topic, and explains what the case study is and the responsibility of each individual. He or she guides the discussion and other activities.

Colloquy

The colloquy is a modified version of the panel using 6 to 8 persons — half representing the audience and half serving as resource people or experts. Time is about equally divided between the two groups.

The colloquy may be used ...

  1. To identify and explore a problem or issue.
  2. To give the audience an understanding of the various parts of a problem.
  3. To weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a course of action.

Some advantages

  1. Provides audience representation and feedback from audience to expert.
  2. Permits presentation of various sides of an issue.
  3. Variety of speakers and presentations stimulates interest of members of the audience.

Some limitations

  1. Difficult for the moderator to hold the participants to the topic under discussion.
  2. Audience members are in a primarily passive role.
  3. Some members may want to “hog the show.”
  4. Extreme difference of opinion among the group members may block progress toward a solution.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speaker in comfort.
  2. A stage or platform large enough to seat the group in comfort along a table facing the audience, with moderator in the center.
  3. Microphones located so all speakers may be heard from where they are sitting.

Procedure

  1. Participants are briefed on the technique and their responsibilities.
  2. Moderator introduces all participants and guides the discussion.
  3. Questions may be received from the audience as time permits.

Committee

A committee is a small group of people selected to perform a task that cannot be done efficiently by an entire group or organization or by one person. This group is also known by other names such as subcommittee, executive committee, task group, and so on.

The committee may be used ...

  1. To plan a single activity or a long-term program.
  2. To act as an advisory body.
  3. To study a particular problem, promote or publicize a particular event, or evaluate a particular activity.

Some advantages

  1. All members of the whole organization may not be capable of carrying out the assignment or have the time necessary to carry it out.
  2. A variety of different interests can be represented on the committee.
  3. Committee work provides a good training ground for potential and future leaders.

Some limitations

  1. The whole group may be reluctant to accept the suggestions of the committee.
  2. Committee members may not be willing to give the time necessary for successful action.
  3. It is sometimes difficult to appoint a group of people who can work well together.

Physical requirements

  1. Much committee activity takes place in homes or offices of individuals — any area where the group can gather that is large enough to handle the committee but small enough to make communication efficient. Often a chalkboard or chart stand with writing materials is useful.

Procedure

  1. The president or officers of a group appoint the committee, or it is elected by the members, depending on the operating procedure of the group.
  2. If it is an advisory committee, the committee completes its assignment and reports its findings to the group. The group then takes action on the committee report.
  3. If it is an action committee, the committee carries out its assignment.
  4. The committee is dissolved unless it is a permanent one.

Conference

A conference is a meeting of people in large or small groups. The participants are usually a close-knit group who consult together in a formal fashion on problems to which they give most serious consideration.

The conference may be used ...

  1. For a group with a high interest to discuss in depth a rather narrow technical area.
  2. To develop plans for promoting some idea.

Some advantages

  1. Participants usually have a high interest in the area being discussed.
  2. Participants usually attend because of their own desires to do so and are not required to attend or delegated by their local organizations as are participants at institutes and conventions.

Some limitations

  1. It is hard to predict attendance.
  2. Advance arrangements must be made for conference facilities, eating facilities and housing.
  3. Evaluation of the results is often difficult.

Physical requirements

  1. An auditorium or other meeting facility with adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear in comfort.
  2. Eating facilities and housing accommodations.

Procedure

  1. Arrangements for physical facilities made well in advance of the conference.
  2. Program participants lined up well in advance of the conference.
  3. Publicity and promotion to ensure attendance in advance of the conference.
  4. Small group meetings or a combination of general sessions and sub-group meetings arranged.
  5. Evaluation and follow-up as needed.

Convention

A convention is an assembly of people from local groups who are members of a parent organization, either district, state or national.

The convention may be used ...

  1. To decide upon policies or platforms, to agree upon candidates, or to plan strategy and promotion.
  2. To discuss and consider ideas that may strengthen local and parent organizations.

Some advantages

  1. Gives the individual an opportunity to see and understand the organization of which he or she is a part.
  2. The most practical way to bring together and obtain the thoughts of many groups spread over a wide geographic area and to obtain consensus of the many local groups making up the organization.

Some limitations

  1. Considerable advance planning is required.
  2. Unless staged effectively, the desired results are not obtained.
  3. The individual plays a passive role and can often be made to feel insignificant in the total picture.
  4. Groups whose ideas are rejected by the organization may go away unhappy.

Physical requirements

  1. A large auditorium for general sessions with adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A number of smaller meeting rooms.
  3. Eating facilities and rooming accommodations.
  4. Transportation to move the participants to and from convention facilities.

Procedure

  1. Arrangements for physical facilities made well in advance of the convention.
  2. Program participants lined up well in advance of the convention.
  3. An opening session with a keynote address and other general sessions.
  4. Small group sessions of local organizations or delegates with similar specialized interests.
  5. Evaluation and follow-up as needed.

Demonstration

The demonstration is a presentation that shows how to perform an act or how to use a procedure. It is often followed by the learner carrying out the activity under the guidance of the instructor. It is basically a visual presentation accompanied by oral discussion.

The demonstration may be used ...

  1. To teach people to carry out a particular task.
  2. To show a new technique or procedure.
  3. To convince others that a new product or procedure has merit.

Some advantages

  1. Individuals are more likely to believe what they see than what they hear or read.
  2. Actual materials or models are used.
  3. The place if flexible and the demonstrator can move at the pace desired by the students; information can be repeated as necessary.

Some limitations

  1. Considerable time and often expense can be involved in obtaining necessary materials and heavy objects are difficult to transport.
  2. If small objects are used, only a limited number of people can adequately observe.
  3. If a limited number of materials are available, some members of the group may not be occupied while one individual is going through the process of imitating what they have seen demonstrated.

Physical requirements

  1. A raised platform or area from which to work, with proper lighting that will permit all members of the audience to observe.
  2. Necessary demonstration materials.

Procedure

  1. Demonstrator lines up all necessary materials and selects suitable location.
  2. Demonstrator presents demonstration. (A commentator may be used to describe the demonstration or the demonstrator may give the oral portion of the demonstration.)
  3. Members of the audience (all or selected members) imitate what has been shown, with help and/or criticism by instructor and fellow students.

Discussion Group

A group of persons meet together to discuss informally and deliberate on a topic of mutual concern.

The discussion group may be used ...

  1. To develop a nucleus of leadership for community service or informal education.
  2. To identify, explore and seek solutions for problems and to develop plans of action.
  3. To change attitudes through discussion and the examination of information.

Some advantages

  1. Group discussion permits full participation.
  2. It can establish consensus democratically.
  3. It pools the abilities, knowledge and experience of all to reach a common goal.

Some limitations

  1. Group discussion is time-consuming, particularly if the group includes people of widely different backgrounds.
  2. A bossy leader or a few members may dominate the discussion.

Physical requirements

  1. The group is usually seated around a large table (or tables arranged in a rectangle). Face-to-face discussion is essential. An informal and relaxed atmosphere will permit free discussions.

Procedure

  1. Should be governed by the group itself. Generally the leader will preside and moderate the discussion.
  2. A group may meet as long and as often as is necessary and convenient.
  3. A change may be made to use special individual abilities. For example, different leaders may be used in the deliberative, planning and action phases of the group’s work.
  4. The group may appoint a recorder to keep track of its deliberations and to report on its progress from time to time.

Field Trip or Tour

A field trip or tour is a carefully arranged event in which a group visits an object or place of interest for first-hand observation and study. The trip can range from a short visit to a single location to one lasting several days and covering several states.

The field trip may be used ...

  1. To provide first-hand study of something that can-not easily be brought to the learning group.
  2. To stimulate interest and concern about conditions or problems that need study.
  3. To illustrate the results of a course of action in its natural environment.
  4. To relate theoretical study to practical problems.

Some advantages

  1. Seeing something in use is usually more meaningful than hearing or reading about it.
  2. The practice can be seen in relation to a larger picture or in a larger environment.
  3. Usually has high entertainment value for participants.

Some limitations

  1. Time is needed for advance arrangements.
  2. There is often uncertainty about the number of participants, making travel arrangements difficult.
  3. Schedules are hard to maintain.
  4. There are possibilities of injuries to the participants.

Physical requirements

  1. A meeting or gathering place before the trip begins.
  2. Adequate transportation.
  3. Suitable arrangements for discussion or other program activities at each stop on the trip or tour.

Procedure

  1. Prior to the trip, the coordinator makes arrangements with everyone who will be visited or who will be concerned with the visits; sets up schedule, including a pre-run of the tour if necessary; obtains or prepares supplementary materials or learning aids.
  2. Participants should be told what they will see at each stop, the purpose of each stop and the amount of time available.
  3. After each stop, there should be some review of what has been seen and its significance to the purpose of the learning experience.

Forum

The forum is a public assemblage where everyone has a chance to voice his or her view.

The forum may be used ...

  1. To facilitate orderly discussion after the topic has been introduced by a speaker, panel, film or other technique.

Some advantages

  1. The forum permits audience participation in a large meeting.
  2. It helps the development of opinion by testing ideas under fire.
  3. It can contribute to the development of the consensus necessary before action may be taken in the community.

Some limitations

  1. The success of the forum depends on the ability of the moderator and the maturity of the audience.
  2. Partisan controversy and heated debates may be stimulating, but they often inhibit the development of consensus.

Physical requirements

  1. Physical requirements are the same as for any large meeting. The use of assistant moderators stationed in strategic locations in the audience may speed up the process of identifying and recognizing those who want to participate. The use of portable or parabolic microphones greatly improves the effectiveness of the forum in a large meeting.

Procedure

  1. After the subject has been introduced and developed by any suitable technique, the moderator will call for questions and comments from the audience. He or she must rephrase or repeat each question and direct it to a particular speaker or panel member. Discussion must be kept moving and orderly and, at intervals, the moderator may summarize the arguments.
  2. Except in very large meetings, the use of written questions is not recommended.
  3. The censoring or “editing” of questions must be avoided at all costs.

Games

Games, much like simulation or role playing, allow participants to interact and make decisions in a setting like but still removed from sticky community problems.

The decision to use a game as a learning tool depends on the goals of the leader. Many commercial games are available or people can make up their own based on most any situation.

Some advantages

  1. Games teach “process” more than facts. They have a clearly defined set of rules. Competition and cooperation are combined for balance, while chance and strategy play off each other for a sense of challenge or control.
  2. Games are generally based on a simulation model or an existing system with the objective of including as much complexity as possible.
  3. Games models condense time from the “real world,” so participants may simulate a year or two in one hour. This allows a player to see long-term effects of decisions in a short period of time.
  4. The costs of a poor decision are low compared to the costs of a poor decision in the real world.
  5. Games are generally motivational tools when used as part of a total learning situation.
  6. Adults are sometimes uncomfortable in a game learning situation; young people are usually very anxious to participate. A youth mix can help adults overcome their reluctance to participate.

Some limitations

  1. The number of participants in operational games is limited (usually to 12 or fewer) if they are to learn principles applicable to real community settings.
  2. Games are only as good as the operators who conduct them as learning vehicles.
  3. Games may lead to more irrational rather than to more rational behavior in the real world.

Procedure

  1. Game leader must be well-versed on the subject.
  2. Room needs space for several game units to be going on at the same time if group is large.
  3. Participants must be briefed orally or by written directions on how to proceed.
  4. Operators should conduct a debriefing session after participation.
  5. Operator must be flexible as group needs change.

Institute

An institute is a training meeting for individuals who are interested in a specific field. It may be a series of sessions lasting one day or fewer or it may last for several days.

The institute may be used ...

  1. To bring the participants up to date on new developments.
  2. To provide periodic reviews of instruction and in-service training.

Some advantages

  1. Intensive training in a short period generally free of interruptions.
  2. Adults in similar circumstances come to know each other better.
  3. All participants can play an active role.
  4. A variety of techniques may be used and demonstrated.

Some limitations

  1. A considerable amount of preplanning is necessary.
  2. Facilities must be available for the total group and for sub-groups.
  3. A time suitable for all expected participants may be difficult to arrange.

Physical requirements

  1. An auditorium large enough for general sessions involving all participants, with adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. Smaller meeting rooms for small-group activity.
  3. Eating facilities and rooming accommodations in some cases.

Procedure

  1. Arrangements are made for the various facilities needed.
  2. Correspondence and other publicity necessary to ensure attendance.
  3. An opening session with a keynote address by a competent speaker.
  4. A repeat of the general session followed up by small-group sessions.
  5. Evaluation and follow-up as needed, including a printed report and other training materials.

Interview

The interview is a presentation in which one or more resource people respond to questioning by one or more interviewers.

The interview may be used ...

  1. To explore a topic in depth where a more formal presentation is not desired by either resource expert or audience.

Some advantages

  1. The presentation is less formal than a speech or lecture.
  2. The audience is represented by the interviewer.
  3. There is some assurance that the discussion will follow the interests of the members of the audience.
  4. Many resource people shy away from formal presentation.

Some limitations

  1. The role of the audience is basically passive.
  2. Interviewer must know the subject, audience desires and the technique of interviewing.
  3. Talking to both audience and the other person or persons making the presentation is sometimes an awkward arrangement.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A platform or stage large enough to hold all participants.
  3. Microphone located so all speakers may be heard from where they are sitting.

Procedure

  1. The interviewer and resource person discuss the overall topic and agree on the general line of questioning.
  2. The interviewer asks the resource person questions designed to explore various aspects of the topic and improvises questions as the interview progresses.
  3. Questions from the audience may be used at the end of the interview.

Lecture or Speech

A lecture is a carefully prepared oral presentation of a subject by a qualified expert. It is usually rather formal.

The lecture or speech may be used ...

  1. To present factual material directly and logically.
  2. To present one point of view on a controversial subject.
  3. For accounts of travels or personal experiences.
  4. To entertain or inspire an audience.
  5. To stimulate thinking and further study on a problem and to open the subject for general discussion.

Some advantages

  1. It is suitable for audiences of any size.
  2. It is easy to organize.
  3. Some people can learn more easily by listening than by reading.

Some limitations

  1. Good speakers informed on subjects of interest to the group may be hard to find. Experts are not always good speakers.
  2. The role of the audience is passive.
  3. Feedback is limited.
  4. Only one side of a question is presented with little chance for challenge or rebuttal.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speaker in comfort.
  2. A stage or slightly raised platform and a speakers’ rostrum.

Procedure

  1. The chairperson should introduce the speaker to the audience with brief remarks as to his or her position, experience or special qualification for this particular appearance.
  2. If visual aids such as films, slides, maps or charts are to be used, they should be appropriate to the subject and to the audience. Use them to heighten audience interest, not to distract the audience’s attention.
  3. At the conclusion of the prepared lecture, the chair-person should thank the speaker and call for a questions period, discussion or whatever has been planned as follow-up.

Listening Team

A listening team listens, takes notes, and questions or summarizes at the close of a presentation. The team is often thought of as the representatives of the audience and is created to provide interaction between speaker and audience.

The listening team may be used ...

  1. To take notes and question a formal speaker or symposium participant.
  2. To listen, evaluate and question a group participating in informal education.

Some advantages

  1. The team identifies the issues, questions, problems and opinions developed by the participants.
  2. The summary or repetition at the end of a presentation aids recall of the important points presented.
  3. There is audience participation or representation in formal situations.

Some limitations

  1. Persons selected for the team must be quite knowledgeable of the subject being discussed and have no biases or axes to grind.
  2. The team may not represent or accurately reflect the views of the majority of the audience.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A stage or platform large enough to hold all participants.
  3. Seats and table near the speaker for the team to use for writing.
  4. Microphones located so all speakers may be heard from where they are sitting.

Procedure

  1. The procedure is discussed by speaker and other participants.
  2. The listening team is selected and given instructions as to their role.
  3. The audience is told of the listening team and its function.
  4. Team members individually take notes during the presentation.
  5. The listening team reports.

Panel

The panel is a group of four to eight people with special knowledge of the subject who hold an orderly conversation on an assigned topic in full view of the audience.

The panel may be used ...

  1. To identify and explore a problem or issue.
  2. To give the audience an understanding of the various parts of a problem.
  3. To weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a course of action.

Some advantages

  1. The panel establishes informal contact with the audience.
  2. Frequent changes of speaker and viewpoint keep the audience interested and stimulate discussion.

Some limitations

  1. The panel may not cover all aspects of the problem or may over-emphasize one aspect.
  2. The subject may not be considered in logical order.
  3. Extreme differences of opinion among the panel may block progress toward a solution.
  4. To keep the discussion moving may require a skilled moderator.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A stage or platform large enough to seat the panel in comfort along a table facing the audience.
  3. Microphones located so all speakers may be heard from where they are sitting.

Procedure

  1. Panel members who will present different views on the subject should be selected.
  2. The panel members are introduced by the moderator. Each may make a short statement (not more than 5 minutes) before the exchange of ideas and comments begins.
  3. The panel may be used to develop a subject introduced by a film or short lecture. It may be followed by a forum in order to broaden discussion and involve the audience.

Question Period

The question period is an organized follow-up session to a formal presentation in which members of the audience direct questions to the program participants.

The question period may be used ...

  1. To get the total audience involved in the activities.
  2. To call for clarification of points made in the formal presentations.
  3. To give members of the audience an opportunity to ask for information of interest to them and not covered by the speakers.

Some advantages

  1. Provides a feedback link between speakers and audience in presentations and provides for some audience participation.
  2. Gives a reflection of audience agreement with the speakers.
  3. Encourages the members of the audience to pay close attention to the remarks of the speakers.
  4. Psychologically, it is good for the members of the audience to know they have the opportunity to participate or not.

Some limitations

  1. If the group is large, it is difficult to handle questions and answers so everyone can hear.
  2. Time for the question and answer period is limited.
  3. The period comes at the close of the session when audience members are often tired or anxious to adjourn the meeting.
  4. A few members of the audience may dominate the discussion.
  5. Many members are timid and will not participate.

Physical requirements

  1. Portable microphones if the group is large.
  2. Writing materials if questions are to be submitted in written form.

Procedure

  1. Chairperson informs audience that question period will be used and explains the procedure beforehand.
  2. Floor persons move roving microphones around or collect written questions and take them to the moderator.
  3. Either chairperson or speaker reads or repeats the question (if necessary) and speaker responds.

Role Playing

In role playing, some members act out a real-life situation in front of the group. There is no script or set dialogue; members make up their parts as they go along. The group then discusses the implications of the performance as it relates to the situation or problem under consideration.

Role playing may be used ...

  1. To examine a delicate problem in human relations.
  2. To explore solutions to an emotion-laden problem.
  3. To provide insight into attitudes differing sharply from those of the participants.

Some advantages

  1. A dramatic way to present a problem and stimulate discussion.
  2. It can provide clues to possible solutions and explore them without the dangers inherent in a real-life trial and error approach.
  3. It gives the players a chance to assume the personality of another human being — to think and act like the other person.

Some limitations

  1. Some may be too self-conscious or self-centered to act successfully in role playing. Others may be shy and fear being made ridiculous before the group.
  2. Role playing before large audiences is less effective because of the psychological effect of the large group upon the players.

Physical requirements

  1. A room large enough to provide seating so all members of the group may see the action. No stage or platform is necessary with groups of 30 or fewer. Costumes or elaborate props are not necessary.

Procedures

  1. The group clearly defines the problem or situation before role playing begins; the scene is set by the group leader with the help of the group.
  2. Select players just before role playing begins; do not warn them in advance, although a brief warmup period may be needed to throw off self-consciousness and help the players get in the spirit.
  3. The leader should allow the action to proceed only so long as it contributes to understanding (usually 5 to 10 minutes).
  4. After discussion, a second set of actors may be chosen and the scene replayed.

Seminar

The seminar is a group of people engaged in specialized study led by a recognized authority in the subject being studied. It may be a single session or a series of sessions.

The seminar may be used ...

  1. To study a subject in depth under the guidance of an authority.

Some advantages

  1. A recognized authority is available to guide discussion and to assist the learners.
  2. Detailed and systematic discussion and inquiry can take place.
  3. All members of the group have the opportunity to participate, over time, in the discussion and in formal presentations.

Some limitations

  1. It may be difficult to find the right person to direct the seminar.
  2. Members may not want to spend all the time required for preparation or reports.
  3. The presence of an expert may inhibit participation of some members.
  4. It may be difficult to find all the source materials desired.

Physical requirements

  1. If the group is not too large, arrange the participants around a conference table. If the group is too large or if such arrangements are not possible, arrange the chairs in a semicircle to facilitate group discussions.

Procedure

  1. Responsibilities for the giving of reports are assigned and these are prepared in advance of the seminar.
  2. Reports are made, including the use of visuals and written handouts if needed.
  3. All participants discuss the report and question the reporter.
  4. Evaluation and follow-up as needed.

Short Course

Short courses are periods of intensive training on some specific subject, usually simpler and less concentrated than that which is taken for college credit but containing more depth than the single meeting.

Short courses may be used ...

  1. To give special groups additional learning in specific areas.
  2. To bring specific groups up to date on technical information.

Some advantages

  1. All attending have a special interest in the area being covered.
  2. They can be held at locations away from the college campus.
  3. There is considerable flexibility in their scheduling (all day for one day, each Monday night for one month, etc.), and they can be held at a time of the year most suitable to the participants and not conform to an institutional schedule.

Some limitations

  1. A considerable amount of advanced arranging is required.
  2. The number of participants is usually not known in advance.
  3. Weather and other external factors can influence attendance.
  4. Students come to the short course with a variety of levels of knowledge and skills, making it difficult to pitch the course at a level suitable to everyone.

Physical requirements

  1. An auditorium or other meeting facilities.
  2. Audio-visual equipment as needed.

Procedure

  1. Arrangements for physical facilities made well in advance of the short course.
  2. Program participants lined up well in advance of the short course.
  3. Publicity and promotion to ensure attendance.
  4. General sessions or a combination of general sessions and sub-group meetings.
  5. Evaluation and follow-up as desired.

Skit

The skit is a short, rehearsed dramatic presentation involving two or more people. It usually is acted from a prepared script and dramatizes an incident that illustrates a problem or situation.

The skit may be used ...

  1. To introduce a topic for discussion.
  2. To highlight a situation already introduced in a talk or film, and to show its application to the community or to the group.

Some advantages

  1. It awakens lively interest and stimulates discussion.
  2. It personalizes a situation and promotes emotional involvement in the problem by the audience.
  3. It demands active participation by a few.

Some limitations

  1. There is danger of over-acting.
  2. Costumes and props should be kept to a minimum, but time is required for obtaining necessary materials.
  3. Inappropriate humor and irrelevant action must be avoided.

Procedure

  1. The skit may be used at any point in a program. It may precede or follow a lecture or film, symposium or panel, but it should come before the discussion period. Two or more skits may be used (if so, they should be very short) to illustrate different approaches to a problem or “before” and “after.” They may be given in succession or at different points in the program.

Symposium

A symposium is a series of prepared speeches given by two to five experts on as many aspects of a problem as there are speakers. The talks should be short and to the point (10 to 15 minutes each).

The symposium may be used ...

  1. To present new material in a concise and logical way.
  2. To present several objective viewpoints to give an impartial treatment to the subject under consideration.
  3. To give a fair analysis of several sides of a controversial issue.
  4. To clarify aspects of a complex problem and to show the relation of the parts to the whole.

Some advantages

  1. Allows for several points of view.
  2. More comprehensive subject coverage is possible.
  3. Short speeches prevent lengthy digressions and keep the audience alert.
  4. The program does not sink or swim with the performance of one speaker.

Some limitations

  1. The symposium is quite formal.
  2. The role of the audience is passive.
  3. There is little opportunity for discussion among the speakers.

Physical requirements

  1. Adequate seating so every member of the audience may see and hear the speakers in comfort.
  2. A stage or platform large enough to seat the participants, in comfort, facing the audience.

Procedure

  1. The chairperson introduces each speaker with a few brief remarks at the beginning of the program or before each rises to speak.
  2. There may be a short question period after each talk, or questions may be reserved for a discussion period.
  3. A short period may be allowed for exchange of questions and comments between the speakers and the discussion period.
  4. Evaluation and follow-up as necessary.

Workshop

The workshop is a group (10 to 25 people) sharing a common interest or problem meeting to improve their individual proficiency, to solve a problem, or to extend their knowledge of a subject through intensive study, research and discussion.

The workshop may be used ...

  1. To identify, explore and seek solutions to a problem.
  2. To permit extensive study of a situation, including its background and social or philosophical implications.

Some advantages

  1. Provides the opportunity for preparation for specific vocational, professional or community service functions.
  2. Permits a high degree of individual participation.
  3. Provides group determination of goals and methods.

Some limitations

  1. Requires a lot of time from participants and staff.
  2. Requires a high proportion of staff to participants.
  3. May require special facilities or materials.
  4. Participants must be willing to work both independently and cooperatively.

Physical requirements

  1. A room large enough to provide comfortable seating for everyone around a large table (or tables arranged in a rectangle) with extra space for use of resource material.
  2. Library or other resource materials for research.
  3. Chalkboard or other device for recording ideas and notes.

Procedure

  1. Arrangements for physical facilities made well in advance of the workshop.
  2. Resource people and resource materials lined up well in advance.
  3. Workshop is conducted.
  4. Evaluation and follow-up as needed.

Additional Methods, Techniques and Devices in Group Education

Person-to-person or individual:

Apprenticeship
Correspondence course
Directed individual study
Home visit
Library services
Office call
Personal letter

Audio-Visual Devices:

Chalkboard
Film
Filmstrip
Flannelboard
Flip chart
Opaque projector
Overhead projector
Photograph and drawing
Power Point presentations
Recording and playback devices
Slides
Videotape
Tele-lectures

Extensive Methods and Mass Media:

Bulletin board
Circular letter and other direct mail
Exhibit
Magazine
Newspaper
Poster
Publications
Radio
Television
Web site

How to Select Methods and Techniques

The selection of the particular methods and techniques to be used at any one time should be determined by:

In the chart below , the 24 methods and techniques discussed here have been placed into 15 categories based on purpose, program objectives and general requirements. The Xs under each column heading indicate that these activities are the ones most often used for this purpose or are thought most useful to enable you to accomplish the particular objective. The absence of an X, however, does not mean that an activity cannot be used for a particular purpose and, of the several items checked, it does not indicate that all are equally good for a particular purpose. Although there is some lack of preciseness in designating an activity for a particular purpose, this system of categorizing does have merit along with the statement that some methods and techniques work better than others in a given situation.

References

Carpenter, William J. October 1967. Twenty-four Group Methods and Techniques in Adult Education. Department of Adult Education, Florida State university, Tallahassee, Fla.

Reeder, William W. October 1963. Methods and Tools for Effective Teaching. Cornell Extension Bulletin 907, New York State College of Agriculture, Ithica, N.Y.

U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. 24 Group Methods and Techniques in Adult Education, Basic Instructor Training Course Guide. Washington, D.C.

Utermoehlen, Ralph E. October 1976. Group Methods and Techniques. Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin C-552, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.



Check List of Method Suitability

Group Method

For large groups

Small group tech.

One point of view

Several viewpoints

Audience represented

Visualized

Carry on dialog

Aid to communication

Stimulate creativity

Change attitudes

Problem solving

 Program planning

Detailed study

 After formal present.

Experts needed

Audience Reaction Team

X

 

 

X

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

Brainstorming

 

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buzz Session

 

X

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

Case Study

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

X

 

 

Colloquy

X

 

 

X

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committee

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

X

X

X

X

 

 

Conference

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

 

 

Convention

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demonstration

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

Discussion Group

 

X

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

X

X

X

 

 

 

Field Trip or Tour

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

Forum

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Institute

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

X

Interview

X

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Lecture or Speech

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Listening Team

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Panel

X

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question Period

 

 

 

X

X

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Role Playing

 

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

Seminar

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

X

Short Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

X

Skit

 

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symposium

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Workshop

 

X

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

X

X

 

X

 

X
-

Learning for Life

Miscellaneous Publication 187/Reprinted August, 2007

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. Cooperative Extension, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

J. Scott Angle, Dean and Director