Panel Discussion

An orderly and logical conversation on a given topic by 4-8  experts in the presence of a moderator, in front of a large audience.

When the theme or topic tends to be complicated and controversial in nature, a panel discussion often helps to clarify issues.

Panel:

 Panel members : 4 – 8 specialized expert speakers in the field concerned.
A chairman /moderator, who initiates the discussion, questions, synthesizes and summarizes the key points.

Audience: Selected students/trainees/participants and teachers interested in the field.

Panel discussion:

• The moderator opens the meeting
• Welcomes the group
• Introduces the panel members
• The moderator introduces the theme of the discussion to the participants. The moderator also initiates the discussion on the issue under consideration.
• Invites the panel speakers to present their point of view
• The discussion begins, panel members may react to, respond to or complement the views expressed by co-panelists., 
• There is no specific agenda, the order of speaking and no set speeches
• The moderator’s duty is to keep the discussion going and setting the tone of thoughts.
• After the main aspects of the subject are explored by the panel speakers, the audience is invited to take part. Needy clarifications are provided by panels
• At the end of the session, the moderator integrates and synthesizes the different points of view and presents them to the audience. The moderator sums up the discussion highlighting the key arguments and inferences.

For a successful panel discussion:

• The discussion should be spontaneous and natural

• If the members are unacquainted with this method, they may have a preliminary meeting, prepare the material on the subject and decide upon the method and plan of presentation

• The panel discussion can be an extremely effective method of education provided it is properly planned and guided.

Panel discussions, however, differ from team presentations.  Their purpose is different.
In a team presentation, the group presents agreed-upon views; in a panel discussion, the purpose is to present different views.
Also in team presentations, usually speakers stand as they speak; in panel discussions, usually speakers sit the whole time.

Technically, a panel discussion consists of questions and answers only, and a symposium consists of a series of prepared speeches, followed by questions and answers.

Advantages :

1. It facilitates clarification on knotty issues.
2. It caters to freedom of expression.
3. Tolerance with others' opinions and emotions.
4. It highlights the multi-dimensionality of the issue under discussion.
5. It helps to develop critical thinking in both panelists and the audience
6. It fosters logical thinking
7. It develops presentation skills.
8. It teaches students to think of the issues under consideration and ask relevant questions.

Let's conduct a panel discussion on a relevant topic. 

TOPIC

The panel experts for the topic " THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AMONG ADOLESCENTS " include  IT specialist,  a child psychologist, a techno pedagogue, a cybercrime dept head an educational administrator, a social leader, and a journalist together with vibrant resourceful moderator and audience.

Suggest new topic & panel members concerned.

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