Essay Example on Effective Group Discussion

Thread One

In a group, problem-solving can be difficult especially if the group members are unfamiliar with each other or feel uneasy with each other in any way. In a group setting, for members to shift from a problematic situation to a desirable goal, factors such as thoughts, discussions, actions, and decisions are considered. I have been a member of a group before, and I must agree that the problem-solving process can be a bit tiresome. Nevertheless, some steps are crucial to ensure that the problem solving process runs smoothly. Intuition can be a useful strategy, but Galanes & Adams (2013) affirm that it might be tantalizing because the critical evaluation of the insights in a group is necessary. Furthermore, as you have mentioned, data collection for problem-solving purposes is crucial because it helps to obtain relevance during a particular study. Beyond doubt, it is agreeable that it is pointless to collect data without the proper scrutiny of the validity of the data. More so, it is sensible to affirm that data should be gathered and analyzed validly, interpreted correctly, and conclusions should be plausible.

Additionally, it is agreeable that creating an outline is significant in group work. When I was in a group for a class assignment, a draft was beneficial because it helped us to develop a plan on how we could solve problems. In fact, creating an outline is significant if all members of the group agree on one agenda. According to Cragan, Wright, & Kasch (2008), group members should analyze a particular problem before they move to the proposed solutions. More to the point, the authors add that if they fail to do so, group decisions might suffer. Indeed, sequencing points in a piece of paper to solve problems are crucial because it prevents groups from departing from their agenda.

Reference

Cragan, J. F., Wright, D. W., & Kasch, C. R. (2008). Communication in Small Groups: Theory, Process, and Skills. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Galanes, G.J. & Adams, K. (2013). Effective Group Discussion Theory and Practice. 14th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Thread Two

I must say it is excellent for you to share your results for the assessment. As seen in your post, it is evident that you did a grouphate evaluation, which depicted how much a person enjoys working in groups. Being an introvert, I must applaud you for your 24 out of 30 results. As it is well known, introverts are known to be conservative and do the minimal talking when they are with their peers. As you affirm, you were raised not to be a dependant and quality does not allow you to be comfortable in a group setting. Galanes & Adams (2013) affirm that in groups, introverts find it difficult to share their ideas unless they have clarified their positions within that team. I would reference your results here because you mention that your results just missed the 6 point to reach your maximum fulfillment to work in a group. From a personal perspective, I believe that in as much as you are introverted, once you have figured out your position in a group. It becomes easy for you to work comfortably in a team. Moreover, other assessments, which you have covered such as organization in a group and partaking in leadership roles, explain your behavior in detail. As you assert, you like doing what you are good at performing. The authors affirm that everyone has a preference, which in some occasions, can be mild or strong. In your case, you appear to have a mild preference. However, I must emphasize that your results on the scale were exemplary considering the idea that introverts are usually a bit complicated. Being an introvert myself, I am convinced that working in a group can be useful.

Reference

Galanes, G.J. & Adams, K. (2013). Effective Group Discussion Theory and Practice. 14th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Thread Three

Similarly, I must applaud you for your 68 out of 70 results in your assessment regarding organization. It is agreeable that the higher the number in a group, the more organization needs to prevail to prevent chaos. More to the point, it is sensible to affirm that productivity can thrive in an orderly environment. Another point you mention, which is reasonable is the fact that the role of group leaders is to evaluate group members attitudes towards the project by asking few questions at the need of the meeting or issuing questionnaires to members. It is agreeable that one of the functions of group leaders is to manage the group discussions effectively. In a group, a discussion can include asking members how they are doing. Indeed, some of the discussions in a group can turn out to be productive and others a complete waste of time. As Galanes & Adams (2013) affirm, group leaders should have a procedural outline, which would help them gage the members ability to solve problems. The authors refer to the questions as problem questions, which provide focus to the state of affairs and the desired goal.

On your assessment of assertiveness, it is remarkable that you managed to score a five out of seven. The authors state that assertiveness lies between aggressiveness and non-assertiveness. In a group setting, assertiveness is vital because it helps in building confidence. As well, it is a learnable skill, which both introverts and extroverts can manager to acquire. On your problem of social anxiety, you can deal with it in a myriad of ways to help you during discussions. The most effective method is to create a measurable goal such as shifting away from others reactions during the discussion.

Reference

Galanes, G.J. & Adams, K. (2013). Effective Group Discussion Theory and Practice. 14th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill

Thread Four

Self-assessment is critical because it helps one to identify their goals and provides a pathway on how to meet them. In a group, it is useful because it allows for insights into an accurate understanding of the group dynamics. In one group that I was in for a class project, self-assessment helped us to know our strengths and identify any discrepancies that would hinder our path towards the problem-solving process. Additionally, since followers look up to their leaders for direction, it is essential for leaders to take a self-assessment check to help the group succeed. Alternatively, they can give their members a self-assessment criterion, which would help them to assess their contribution to the team. The criterion can be designed to measure the quality of a process and assess the teamwork of each individual. Even so, Galanes & Adams (2013) point out that outstanding teams usually participate in periodic self-assessment. More so, they emphasize that leaders have to engage in a self-assessment test to evaluate the group and their members. Interestingly, besides class group works, companies who indulge in group work to solve problems and take a self-assessment are likely to achieve maximum results. Over the years, self-assessment has been linked with productivity. When a team identifies their strengths and weaknesses, they can manage to work together to overcome them and become productive when they commence on their problem-solving process. More so, when leaders step up to their responsibility and guide their team through periodic self-assessments, the group will achieve their desired objective. In essence, group work can become successful if students assess and evaluate themselves. Overall, self-assessments are critical because they encourage the students involvement and participation in a group.

Reference

Galanes, G.J. & Adams, K. (2013). Effective Group Discussion Theory and Practice. 14th ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill