Group discussion is one of the five basic teaching methods commonly used by adult Sunday School leaders or Bible study leaders. The others are the lecture, question and answer, case study, and brainstorming methods. Properly used, group discussion provides a straightforward way to involve class members with examining Bible truths, considering nuances of meanings, and expressing possible applications of Bible truth. Used improperly, group discussion can quickly degenerate into chaos or an exercise in futility - pooled ignorance.
Consider these insights to make more effective use of group discussion as a primary teaching method. For group discussion to have maximum effectiveness, the following dynamics much be in place.
Know the subject thoroughly. Often group discussion is considered as a way the teacher can fill time or get members of the class to supply the teacher's missing or inadequate knowledge. Nothing could be further from the truth. For effective group discussion, the leader must know the subject well, understanding various nuances of meaning, possible points of disagreement, and potential applications.
Lead the group toward a specific goal for the session. The use of group discussion can best be viewed as a part of an entire lesson plan that moves the participants toward a specific learning goal.
The key to getting members to discuss actively is a matter of teacher skill. The way questions are posed to the class, the trust and respect climate of the class, and even the physical environment where the class meets are all factors that influence participants' responses.
Enhancing group discussion
As with most teaching methods, group discussion is best used as a part of a systematic, planned approach to learning that understands the needs, interests, and abilities of the learner. Consider the following suggestions to enhance your use of the group discussion method with your Bible study group.
Know the members of the group
Simple as it sounds, knowing the members of the Sunday School class or Bible study group provides a solid foundation for the use of group discussion.
Use group discussion as one of several teaching methods
A Sunday School teacher may want to provide foundational information about a Bible passage by using a brief lecture. Then, group discussion may be used to guide members with a series of well-constructed questions. The session may continue with participants exploring potential applications of the Bible truths using case studies in small groups. The class may conclude with a time of reflection and personal commitment.
Master the use of open questions to enhance group discussion
Group discussion is strongly impacted by another teaching method, question and answer. Questions such as "Who is the author of the Bible book we are studying?" require a precise answer. Such questions discourage group discussion because they can be answered with a few words. Using the question and answer methods in conjunction with group discussion is strengthened by using "open" questions such as "In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge from the Bible passage?" or "Can you think of ways adults can apply the truth of this passage?" These questions do not require a precise "right answer." Instead, they allow for different responses.
Avoid making evaluative comments following participant responses
When teachers respond to a student's comments with "That's good!" or "You're right!" they are left to respond with critical comments or an awkward silence when a member's response is not correct or is off target. Instead of these evaluative comments, Bible study leaders can repeat what members have said and try to connect the comment with the main points under discussion. When the discussion continues to wander and valuable learning time is wasted, the teacher may need simply to call "time out" and say, "We have chased the rabbit too far off the path. It's time to get back to our main goal for today."
Recognize how learning preferences relate to group discussion
Learners who prefer a verbal approach to learning naturally embrace group discussion.
Learners who prefer a relational approach to learning usually enjoy group discussion, especially when the method is used in small groups.
Learners with visual learning preferences may benefit from seeing the discussion question or topic written on a marker board or large sheet of paper.
Learners preferring a logical approach may benefit from listing discussion points as they are made, outlining the discussion, or diagramming options or alternatives discussed.
Reflective learners may need a brief time following group discussion to analyze personally the responses and to make personal choices and commitments
Learners who prefer to approach learning physically may be comfortable with moving to various areas of the classroom to indicate their opinion of various options offered during the discussion.
Learn about Bible Studies for your group.