10 ways to encourage discussion in your small group

It’s not always easy to engage with young people and encourage discussion. Here are 10 simple points to help your small group discussions.


A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

Try to provide a comfortable and casual atmosphere. Is there adequate and comfortable seating? Is the room warm – but not too warm zzzzzzz! Are there any distractions? Are you building in the right amount of social time and using it effectively to make connections and build relationships?

BREAK THE ICE

One of the best icebreakers I know is food! Providing and sharing snacks before your study time is a simple and natural way to break the ice with young people. Or, what about a meal or a barbeque?

Simple icebreakers and games can also get things moving and encourage interaction. They can help provide positive momentum for small group study and discussion by,

• Helping new members to integrate into a group.
• Helping young people feel comfortable together.
• Encouraging cooperation.
• Encouraging listening to others.
• Creating a good atmosphere for learning and participation.

Use icebreakers which encourage everyone in the group to talk or share non-threatening information about themselves. Download the free eBook ‘40 Icebreakers for Small Groups’ for lots of simple game ideas.

IT’S OK TO TALK!

Perhaps an obvious point, but clearly explain that your study time is meant to be a discussion. Some young people need ‘permission’ to talk! Encourage every group member to participate.

USE OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS

Use open ended questions and non-threatening questions. To find out how to do this check out the Insight article ‘That’s a good question’ Are you designing questions which avoid simple ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers? The best questions allow young people to express their own ideas, views and opinions. Help them to discover and apply what the Bible says for themselves.

LISTEN

Avoid answering your own questions! If necessary, rephrase them until they are clearly understood. An eager group quickly becomes passive and silent if they think you will do most of the talking.

Don’t expect every answer to be addressed to you. As the group becomes more at ease, they will broaden their interaction with each other. This is a sign of a healthy discussion.


BE INCLUSIVE

Include everyone in the discussion whenever possible. Don’t allow one person to monopolize the conversation. Don’t be content with just one answer. Ask what others in the group think, until several people have had an opportunity to give answers to the question.

BE CREATIVE

Instead of starting with a question use a role play or case study to bring about a response. Use a group survey to provide a platform for further discussion.

BE AFFIRMING

Acknowledge all contributions. Avoid any put-downs. Affirm young people for what they are saying. Allow young people the right to pass and not share.


THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Don’t be afraid of silence. Young people need time to think about the question, phrase their answer in their own mind first, before expressing their thoughts out loud and in public.


SUMMARISE

From time to time summarise what the group has said about the question or bible passage. Clarify and add any teaching points. This helps to draw various ideas together, gives continuity to the study and keeps the discussion on track.

What would you add to this list? What have you found to be effective in your group to promote discussion and personal involvement? Your comments are welcome.

MORE DISCUSSION STARTERS

For more, click on discussion starters in the category list on the sidebar.


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