|
Back
Home
Up
Next
| |
Group Interaction Analysis
When groups are working well contributions build on each other.
This is possible when participants contribute to the discussion in appropriate
ways. The following eight categories of contribution can be used as an aid to
analyzing patterns of group interaction.
Based On: Rackham N et al (1971) Developing Interactive
Skills;
Wellens Publishing, Northampton
Seeking Suggestions
|
This label is used when someone invites others to contribute
their, ideas, suggestions or proposals |
Suggesting
|
This can take a number of forms eg "I suggest we do so
and so", "Let's do the following", "Shall we do X, Y
and Z", "Can I take your idea a stage further?" |
Agreeing
|
This covers all types of supporting or backing up what has
just been said. This includes nodding. |
Disagreeing
|
This covers all ways of opposing or withholding support for
what has just been said: ie not only an outright disagreement ("No, I
can't go along with that.") but also stating a difficulty, whether
valid or not: "The snag is that ..." or "We are running
short of time again." |
Seeking Clarification
|
Whnever someone asks for a recap or checks that he has
understood what was intended eg "Do you mean ...", "What
happens if A and B coincide." |
Clarifying
|
Responses to requests for explanations; also spontaneous
summaries of a discussion. |
Interrupting
|
Whenever someone beaks in to stop a member from finishing
his or her contribution; or when everyone seems to be speaking at once. |
Miscellaneous
|
In practice, it is difficult to assess all contributions
quickly enough to categorize them, so any unspecified contribution can be
put in this category rather than go unrecorded. |
The following analysis table set out with the types of
contribution down the side and the names of the participants along the top. The
observer listens to each contribution being made during the discussion and puts
a tally mark in the appropriate box. Afterwards the results can be shared either
with each individual on a one-to-one basis or as a report back to the group.
Group interaction analysis sheet
| |
Participants
|
| Anne |
Brian |
Clair |
David |
| Seeking suggestions |
|
|
|
|
| Suggesting |
|
|
|
|
| Agreeing |
|
|
|
|
| Disagreeing |
|
|
|
|
| Seeking Clarification |
|
|
|
|
| Clarifying |
|
|
|
|
| Interrupting |
|
|
|
|
| Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
|
| |
Back
Home
Up
Next
|