|
Buzz Session or Huddle Method or Phillip,1966:
It is a method whereby a large group is divided into small groups of five to ten to discuss a specific problem
for a limited time.
Advantages:
- Every person in group is involved in discussion.
- Produce useful results in minimum time.
- Wholesome effect on group members.
- Creates informal atmosphere.
Limitations:
- Depends on the Leader.
- Cannot be used in all situations. It is useful in defining problems or questions, developing a list of possible goals, refining ideas.
HUDDLE GROUPS:
It is difficult to get participation in discussion when large groups are involved unless the groups are for a time
subdivided into smaller groups. This can be done quite easily.
People normally form groups. Most informal discussion in the hotel lobby or after meetings is done by persons in
small groups. A group of five is a normal conversation group. Physically and psychologically members in a group of five are
close together.
The most common practice in using the huddle system is for the chairman to introduce the problem or issue,
clarify it if necessary, and then motivate the group to want to do something about it. When they are properly motivated, he asks
them to get their heads together in huddle groups of five persons and talk over the problem. He suggests that one person be
selected in each group to serve as leader and that they come up in ten to twenty minutes, depending upon the question under
consideration, with the decision of the group concerning the answer to the problem.
During the huddle period the members of the group exchange experiences, share ideas, test possible solutions and
finally agree on a possible solution.
When the allotted time has been used, or when it appears that there has been through discussion of the problem by all
huddle groups, the chairman reconvenes the original group and asks the spokesman of each group to make a brief report.
he or an appointed secretary summaries the separate reports on a chalk board.
As the brief reports are made, the chairman may encourage questions from members of other groups, or he
May hold up the questioning period until all huddle groups have reported.
When all groups have reported it is usually possible for the Chairman to lead the discussion group in summarizing the
principles that have been enumerated and in working out a plan of action. If additional information is needed, the chairman may
provide it, or a study committee may be set up.
BUZZ GROUPS:
The buzz group technique is quite similar to the huddle method in that it is a device used to
divide larger discussion groups into smaller groups. Two variations in the technique are used by educators
and sociologists.
The most commonly used version of the technique involves dividing the original group to make up buzz groups
of 12 to 15 persons, when the original group members 40 or more people. With 30 or fewer small buzz groups may
be used.
The chairman usually introduces and clarifies the issue or problem to be discussed and motivates the
group to the place that they want to discuss it. He can at this stage divide the large group into buzz groups and
assign each group a specific phase or sub-problem for discussion, or be can assign the same problem to all groups.
Usually the buzz sessions will require from 10 to 20 minutes depending upon the topic under consideration.
Each buzz group is seated in a circle. When the leader reconvenes the group he calls for reports from the secretaries
of various groups and it is followed by general discussion.
PHILLIPS66 TECHNIQUE:
The Discussion 66, technique developed by J. Donald Phillips is a variation of the huddle system and is
applicable to innumerable group situations in which democratic participation is desired. It may be used with small
groups of 10 to 20 persons or with large groups of several hundred persons.
Thus it is a method whereby a large group is divided into small groups of six persons to discuss a
specific problem with as little movement of chairs as possible. This enables the formation of discussion committees
within few seconds. Each committee takes two minutes to elect a Chairman and getting acquainted with each
other. Then six minutes time is given to come to the best answer for the problem. At the end of five minutes warning is
given to members to express their view point within the last minute. The overall discussion leader moves quietly from
group to group during discussion period and stimulators the discussion.
At the end of six minutes, the over all discussion leader recoveries and the committee secretaries present
The report or discuss in a panel.
Advantages:
- It is designed to obtain a quick mass of ideas, suggestions, attitudes or recommendations.
- It serves as an interest approach when opening a meeting.
- It is used to supplement other group discussion techniques.
|