PANEL DISCUSSION

INTRODUCTION:
This technique at the first time was used by Herry A.Ober Street (Prof. Harry A.Overstreet) in
1929. The discussion technique of learning is based on the modern theory of organization. All
techniques of higher learning require the discussion among the participants.
DEFINITION:
Panel is a discussion in which a few persons carry on a conversation in front of an audience.
PURPOSE:
To reproduce the features for the benefit of a larger group.
It is a socialized group conversation in which different points of view are presented.
When handled intelligently and creatively, it stimulates thought and discussion and
clarifies thinking.
It influence the audience to an open-minded attitude and respect for the opinion of others.
The quick exchange of facts, opinions and plans tends to develop more critical attitude
and better judgment.
It can be helpful to stimulate discussion, encouraging thinking and developing group
opinion.
It is used to find out the solution of current problem of important nature and provide the
full understanding of significant topic.
It is an effective instructional technique which creates situation to facilitate higher
cognitive learning.

TYPES:
1) Public Panel Discussion
2) Educational Panel Discussion.

Public Panel Discussion: This type of panel discussions are organized for the common
men problems.
The three objectives achieved by these discussion are:
a)To provide factual information regarding current problems.
b)To determine the social values.
c)To recreate the common man.

Educational Panel Discussion: It is used in educational institutions to provide factual

and conceptual knowledge and clarification of certain theories and principles.

The three objectives achieved by the Educational techniques are:

a)To provide factual information and conceptual knowledge.
b)To give awareness of theories and principles.
c)To provide solution of certain problems.

Procedure of Panel Discussion:

It means four roles are played in organizing Panel discussion; Namely:
a)Instructor
b) Moderator
c) Panelists: 4-10
d)Audience

Steps of Panel Discussion:

Gather information on the projected demographics of the audience and gear responses to
the needs of the group consulting with the colleagues before the panel presentation may
be useful.

Anticipate the questions that might be asked from the audience; colleagues can be asked
to contribute to a potential list of questions for audience preparation.

Paraphrase questions asked from the audience before providing a response; this allows
everyone in the audience to hear the questions and allow the presenter time to organize
his or her thoughts.

Treat all questions with the same importance so as not to display a bias or preference for
certain individuals in the audience.

During the session, panelists are expected to conduct themselves professionally, with
sensitivity to the fact that they are only one of several experts sharing the stage from
whom the audience wants to hear new information and practice ideas.

Characteristics of Panel Discussion:

It is used at college and university level to organize teaching at reflective level.

It develops the ability of problem solving.

It provides the opportunity to understand nature problem or theme of the discussion.

It develops ability of presentation of theme and giving their point of view logically.

It develops the right type of attitude and ability to tolerate anti-ideas of others.

Advantages:

It is an extremely effective method of education.

Information reaches to a large member of audience.

Spontaneity of the panel discussion arouses interest among audience to participate in

discussion at the end of panel discussion.

It allow experts to present different opinions.

It provoke better discussion.

Frequent change of speaker keeps attention from lagging.

Limitations:

There are chances to deviate from theme at time of discussion, hence the purpose of the
panel discussion is not achieved.

Some members dominate the discussion and do not provide the opportunities to
participate others in discussion.

There is possibility to spilt the group into two sub-group.

If panelists belong to different groups, it may not create appropriate learning situation.

Panelists Dos and Donts:

Dos:
-Be sensitive to time limitations for both prepared and sponteneous remarks.
-Make notations of other speakers comments for response and essential points for and
organise a well-thought out reply.

Donts:
-Jump on the remark of other speakers.
-Look at another panelists when responding to his or her comments; rather, speak directly to
the audience.
-Insert political or partisan opinions.