Group Education Manual - Peace Corps Wiki

11.5ObjectivesTimeGroup Discussions1. To develop the skills necessary to conduct group discussions around gender andHIV.60 minutesMaterials • Flipchart paper and markers• Enough copies of Handout 20: The Facilitator’s Role in Group DiscussionsStepsfor all participants1. Explain that many programs have used participatory group discussions to generatean exchange of ideas about gender and HIV. Group discussions are a useful toolbecause they are low-cost and can take place in different venues and with differentgroups of people.2. Ask participants to share any experiences they have had either facilitating orparticipating in group discussions. What did they like or not like about it?3. Explain that in this activity, participants will use various tools to implement groupdiscussions. Ask them how they have started group discussions. If they are notmentioned, add the ideas below:• Show a video or movie clip focusing on issues related to gender.• Ask participants to develop a “collage” from magazines illustrating what itmeans to be a man and/or a woman.• Share IEC materials on HIV prevention with the group and then ask themfor their thoughts.• Invite a resource person to speak about issues related to HIV.4. Divide the participants into groups of three. Ask each group to choose afacilitator. Rotate facilitators every 10 minutes to give more participants achance to practice. The rest of the group will serve as the participants. Thefacilitators can lead a discussion on any topic related to HIV. Ask them to beas creative as possible.5. After 30 minutes, bring the participants together and discuss thefollowing:? What did the facilitators do well? What was difficult for them?? What creative elements did they use?? What are important skills for facilitators to possess?? What is important to keep in mind when planning group discussions? Addthe following, if it has not been mentioned by the participants:• Size and composition of the audience—does it encourageparticipation?• The discussion’s location—is it comfortable and secure enough forparticipants to share their views?• Knowledge and skill level of the facilitator—is the facilitator able tokeep the discussion focused? If the discussion is technical, does s/he haveenough knowledge? Can the facilitator draw in different participants ordoes s/he allow some to dominate the conversation?• Interest of the group—are they engaged?6. Pass out Handout 20: The Facilitator’s Role in Group Discussions. Reviewit with participants, and ask if they have any questions.108