Page 222 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips 205

Structure of Presentation
A structure and time schedule of the presentation was decided on:
5 minutes—Each member of the class takes the exercise individually.
10 minutes—The class is divided into four groups, with four of our small group members serving as
observers. Each group will determine how to solve the exercise problem.
5 minutes—One member of our group will present a short report on group polarization research to the
class. At the same time, the four observers will be finishing their notes regarding what happened in their
respective groups.
5 minutes—The four groups will each discuss what occurred in the group. The observer may start the
discussion or serve as a guide/reference person, answering questions and giving insight into what
happened with polarization in the group.
5 minutes—The class as a whole will have the opportunity to share what was observed and experienced
within the groups. The observers may again start the discussion and open the floor to any class member’s
contribution.
Additional Member Roles
Bill agreed to present the 5-minute oral report on polarization to the class.
Terrell will be responsible for arranging meeting places and will serve as a backup to any member who
might be absent.
Adjournment and Next Meeting
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm. Further planning will take place on Tuesday, March 23,
during class time.

another student group preparing to make a formal presentation to the Student
Government Association. Whatever form minutes take, they should be distributed to
members as soon as possible after the meeting. E-mail as well as the various electronic
group platforms like Google Docs make it easy to do this.

Meeting Notices and Agendas A notice of each meeting should be sent to all mem-
bers so that they can prepare for the meeting. A meeting notice normally includes the Meeting Notice
who, what, when, where, and why of a meeting. It should include the purpose of the A written message
meeting; specific outcomes to be achieved; the agenda listing all items of business to providing the time,
be taken up; and any relevant facts, reading sources, or other preparation members place, purpose, and
should make prior to meeting. For the first meeting of any group, the notice should other information
also include a list of all group members. relevant to an
An agenda is a list of the items of business, topics, and other matters in the upcoming meeting.
sequence they will be considered in the meeting. For a continuing group, approval or
correction of the previous meeting’s minutes is usually the first item of business. Agenda
Table 8.4 is an example of a combined meeting notice and agenda. A list of items to be
Ideally, reports to be distributed to members should be attached to the meeting discussed at a group
notice and agenda. Reports might include tables, graphs, duplicated copies of meeting.
text, lists, and drawings. Likewise, prior to the meeting, the report maker needs to

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