DR. MAHESWARI JAIKUMARmaheswarijaikumar2103@gmail.com

PANEL DISCUSSION

DEFINITION• A Panel discussion is a method of

teching in which four to eight persons or students discuss the assigned topic/ problem/ issues creatively among themselves in front of an audience

PANEL DISCUSSION

• Panel discussion is a discussion in which a few persons carry out a conversation in front of an audience.

• The technique was first used by HARRY. A. OBER STREET in 1929

PURPOSE

• To provide information and new facts.

• To identify the values.

• To analyse the current problem from different angle.

• To organize for mental recreation.

• To influence the audience to an open minded attitude and respect for other's opinion.

• When handled intelligently and creatively, panel discussion stimulates thoughts and discussion and clarifies thinking.

TYPES

1. PUBLIC PANEL DISCUSSION.

2. EDUCATIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION

PUBLIC PANEL DISCUSSION

• Public Panel Discussion is organized for the common man's problems.

• The public panel discussion is organized through television programmes.

• The objectives achieved by public panel discussion are:

1. To provide factual information regarding current problems.

2. To determine social values.

3. To recreate the common man.

EDUCATIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION

• Is used in educational institutions to provide factual and conceptual knowledge and clarification of theories and principles.

• The objectives achieved through educational panel discussions are as follows:

• 1. To provide factual and conceptual knowledge.

• 2. To raise awareness of theories and principles.

• 3. To provide solutions for certain problems.

GUIDELINES• Identify / help participants to

idenify an issue or topic that involves an important conflict in values and interest. The topic may be a topical question, a hypothetical incident, a student experience or an actual case.

• Select panellist who are well informed and have specific points of view regarding the chosen topic.

• Usually a panel discussion includes 3-5 panellist.

• Select a leader or chairperson / moderator for the panel discussion.

• Decide on the format of the panel discussion.

• The panel discussion must be rehearsed before the actual panel discussion.

ORGANIZING A PANEL DISCUSSION

• Select a chairperson / moderator, the panellists and the audience.

• The panel discussion consists of 4-8 panellist along with the chairperson or moderatoe seated in a semicircle facing the audience.

• The chairperson or the moderator should be selected with care because the success of the panel discussion depends on the leadership of the moderator.

• The moderator must keep the discussion to the subject and ensure that all members of the panel get an equal opportunity to express their views.

• The chairperson should be a neutral refree and begin the panel discussion by exploring the whole proceedings.

• The members of the panel are first introduced by name and background of experience. The topic is announced and the limit of discussion is stated.

• The moderator may start the procedure rolling by making a comment or by directing a question to a particular person.

• The panel discussion should provide a natural setting in which the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions, evalute replies and make constructive contributions.

• The moderator co ordinates the discussion and makes sure the discussion is carried on in a conversational way.

• The moderator clarifies an issue or mis conception and may also introduce another thought so that the subject is fully covered. Then the moderator summarizes the main points presented by the speakers and invites the audience to contribute and ask questions.

• Finally the moderator sums up the discussion.

ADVANTAGES

• Different points of views are expressed by the speakers.

• The quick exchange of facts, ideas and opinions help students to sharpen their critical thinking and better judgement.

• Students learn to discuss topics of in conversational forms in s small group in front of large group.

DISADVANTAGES

• Panel discussion requires more time for planning, organizing and presentation.

• The discussion may be vague and superficial if the panel members lack mastry.

• The effectiveness of the method depends on :

1. The competency and preparation of the panel members.

2. The competency and leading abilities of the chairperson

or the moderator.

3. Planning, organizing and conducting the panel discussion.

THANK YOU