A round table discussion is an excellent form of small group communication
when the group is going to be a long term engagement.  Roundtable discussions
are extremely useful when it comes to learning, whether the learning be social or
academic.  Most of these types of groups are focused on one subject like self
help, educational endeavors, or hobbies.  Since round table discussions are usually
a long term type of small group discussion, cooperation is vital to the groups
success.  Also, group participation is a key concept as well, especially in self help
scenarios.

Whether you are in a round table discussion for self help, learning math, share
poetry, or tackle a big project at the workplace, here are some helpful hints to
consider:
 

• Establish the specific focus of the group early on
• Always have an  agenda to follow to keep meeting flowing
• Always encourage equally active participation from all group members
• Be sure to discuss topics one at a time, try not to stray off in different directions which is easy to do in this informal format
• Always recap what was covered at the end of the round table

 Back to Breaking Down the Walls Home Page