by Write a group discussion on any one of the following topics amongst a group of five
students :
(i) Learning through an online mode
(ii) Role of media in the field of education
(iii) Creativity and Deadlines
Steps to Write a GD for Examination
- Understand the Topic
- Read the topic carefully and underline key words.
- Paraphrase it in your mind: what exactly is being asked?
- Decide on Your Participants and Roles
- Choose 5 student names or initials (e.g., Aisha, Rahul, Neha, Sunita, Vikram).
- Optionally assign roles: moderator, main speaker, challenger, supporter, summarizer.
- Plan the Structure
- Introduction (1–2 lines): Moderator greets, states the topic, and invites the first speaker.
- Body (several turns): Each participant takes a turn—state a point, give an example, respond to others.
- Conclusion (1–2 lines): Summarizer (often the moderator again) recaps main points and offers a closing thought.
- Write an Opening by the Moderator
- “Good morning. Today’s topic is _____.”
- “Let’s begin with definitions or first impressions. Rahul, over to you.”
- Develop Individual Contributions
- State a clear point: “I believe ____ because ____.”
- Support with an example or data: “For instance, ____.”
- Respond to others: “As Neha mentioned, I agree/disagree because ____.”
- Use Linking Phrases
- To agree: “I agree with Sunita’s point that…”
- To disagree politely: “I see your point, but I feel…”
- To build on ideas: “Adding to what Rahul said…”
- To invite responses: “What do you think, Vikram?”
- Maintain Turn-Taking and Courtesy
- Indicate pauses or handover: “May I add something?”
- Avoid interrupting; if needed: “Excuse me, can I clarify a point?”
- Keep each turn short—around 2–3 sentences in an exam write-up.
- Summarise Key Arguments
- After everyone has spoken, the moderator or summarizer says:
“To recap, we’ve discussed A’s point about ___, B’s concern with ___, and C’s suggestion about ___.”
- After everyone has spoken, the moderator or summarizer says:
- Offer a Balanced Conclusion
- Suggest a way forward or a blended view: “In conclusion, while online learning has flexibility, we also need face-to-face interaction, so a blended approach is best.”
Group Discussion
Topic: Learning through Online Mode
Participants: Aisha (Moderator), Rahul, Neha, Sunita, Vikram
Aisha (Moderator): Good morning, everyone. Today’s topic is learning through online mode. Let’s begin with a quick definition. Rahul, would you like to start?
Rahul: Sure. Online learning means attending classes via the internet instead of in a physical classroom. I believe it offers flexibility, since students can learn from anywhere at any time.
Neha: I agree on flexibility, Rahul, but I worry about distractions at home—family noise or social media can reduce focus.
Sunita: That’s true, Neha, yet I’ve seen teachers use interactive quizzes and breakout rooms to keep us engaged. So, technology tools can enhance participation.
Vikram: Both points are valid. I’d add that online mode improves access—students in remote areas or with health issues can join classes, which was impossible before.
Rahul: Good point, Vikram. However, what about internet connectivity? In many places, slow or unreliable connections make online classes frustrating.
Neha: Yes, infrastructure is key. Schools and governments must invest in better broadband if they want online learning to work for everyone.
Sunita: Also, there’s the question of social skills. In-person classes help us build teamwork and communication face-to-face. Online chat and video don’t fully replace that.
Vikram: That’s a limitation, Sunita, but some platforms now have virtual labs and group projects that simulate real collaboration.
Aisha: Let me summarise what we’ve discussed so far:
- Flexibility and access are major advantages.
- Distractions, connectivity issues, and reduced social interaction are challenges.
- Interactive tools and virtual group work can mitigate some drawbacks.
Does anyone have a final thought?
Rahul: I’d conclude that online learning can be effective if technical and social challenges are addressed.
Neha: Agreed. Proper training for teachers and students is also essential.
Sunita: And a blended approach—mixing online and in-person—could combine the best of both worlds.
Aisha (Moderator): Thank you all. We’ve covered pros, cons, and suggestions for improvement. Let’s hope schools adopt measures to make online learning truly inclusive and engaging.
