ORGANIZING THE DISCUSSION

The Plessy Discussion Guide employs a "study circle" format for discussion. Study circles are small group discussions that encourage democratic deliberation on issues. The format promotes discussion that emphasizes dialogue that explores differences of opinions and values, and searches for common ground. The format can be used by schools and a wide range of community organizations and institutions.

The process is simple:

1. Form a study circle of five to 20 people. You can start with a much larger group and divide into smaller groups if necessary. Ethnically diverse groups are suggested but not necessary. You may want to meet at a private home, library, or other public facility.

2. Distribute the discussion guide to the study circle members. Copies are available from the Southern Institute for $1 each. We encourage you to use additional readings of your own choice to represent alternative viewpoints.

3. Meet for at least two sessions for discussions based on the format in this guide. You can either do the readings in advance, or you can set aside thirty minutes at the beginning of each session to complete the readings. Use the discussion questions that follow the readings and move the group toward making choices and defining their agreements as well as differences.

4. You may choose to have one group member trained as a discussion moderator through the Southern Institute's moderator training program. Contact the Southern Institute at (504) 865-6100 for training schedules and guide orders.

Basic Format of a Study Circle

In a study circle, 5-20 people meet several times to discuss the various choices our society or their organization might make concerning a social or political issue. Complex issues are broken down into manageable subdivisions, and controversial topics are dealt with in depth.

Each discussion lasts approximately two hours and is directed by a well-prepared moderator whose role is to aid in lively and focused discussion.

Two individuals, the organizer and the moderator, are central to the creation and success of a study circle. The study circle organizer orders study circle course material, recruits participants, arranges the logistics of the meetings, and chooses the discussion leader. The study circle leader stimulates and moderates the discussion and guides the group toward the goals that it has agreed upon.

Philosophy and Background

The study circle is a well-tested, practical, and effective method for adult learning and social change. Study circles are voluntary, informal, democratic, and highly participatory. They assist participants in confronting challenging issues and making difficult choices. Study circles engage citizens in public and organizational concerns, bringing the wisdom of ordinary people to bear on difficult issues. Cooperation and participation are stressed so that the group can capitalize on the experience of all its members.

The study circle is small-group democracy in action; all viewpoints are taken seriously and each participant has an equal opportunity to participate. The study circle belongs to the participants; individual members ultimately set the agenda and control the content of the discussions. The process of democratic discussion among equals is as important as the content.

The goal of a study circle is not to impart enough facts to make the participants into experts, but rather to deepen their understanding and judgment by focusing on the values that underlie opinions. The group "works through" difficult issues and grapples with choices. Common ground is sought in the end, but consensus or compromise is not necessary.

The Role of the Participant

The participants are the most important ingredient in a study circle. Their interest, enthusiasm, and commitment, along with the skill of the leader, ultimately determine the success of a study circle.

The goal of a study circle is not to master a text or to learn a lot of facts, but rather to deepen understanding and judgment. This can occur in a focused discussion when people exchange views freely and consider a variety of viewpoints. The process--democratic discussion among equals--is as important as the content.

The following points are intended to help you make the most of your study circle experience and to suggest ways in which you can help the group. Although this advice will be self-evident if you have experience in discussion groups, these points will be a valuable reminder to even the most experienced participant.

Make a good effort to attend all meetings. The comfort level of the group depends upon familiarity with other participants, not just as acquaintances or members of the same organization, but as peers in this particular group with its own special history and fellowship.

Communicate your needs to the leader. The leader is responsible for guiding the discussion, summarizing key ideas, and soliciting clarification of unclear points, but he/she may need advice on when this is necessary. Chances are you are not alone when you don't understand what someone has said.

Help keep the discussion on track. Make sure your remarks are relevant; if necessary, explain how your points are related to the discussion. Try to make your points while they are pertinent.

Address your remarks to the group rather than the leader. Feel free to address your remarks to a particular participant, especially one who has not been heard from or who may have special insight. Don't hesitate to question other participants to learn more about their ideas.

Listen carefully to others. Make sure you are giving everyone the chance to speak. Keeping a pen handy to jot down your thoughts may help you listen more attentively since you will not be concerned about losing the point you want to make.

Speak your mind freely, but don't monopolize the discussion. If you tend to talk a lot in groups, leave room for quieter people. Be aware that some people may want to speak but are intimidated by more assertive people.

Don't withdraw from the discussion. You have a responsibility beyond that of listening. Everyone in the group, including you, has unique knowledge and experience; this variety makes the discussion an interesting learning experience for all. Failing to speak means robbing the group of your wisdom.

Engage in friendly disagreement. Differences can invigorate the group, especially when it is relatively homogeneous on the surface. Don't hesitate to challenge ideas you disagree with. Don't be afraid to play devil's advocate, but don't go overboard. If the discussion becomes heated, ask yourself and others whether reason or emotion is running the show.

Remember that humor and a pleasant manner can go far in helping you make your points. A belligerent attitude may prevent acceptance of your assertions. Be aware of how your body language can close you off from the group.

Maintain an open mind. You don't score points by rigidly sticking to your early statements. Feel free to explore ideas that you have rejected or failed to consider in the past.

Use your critical faculties. Don't accept without question the statements made by authors of the readings, the leader, or other participants. Think about whether statements are provable; decide whether assertions are based on fact or opinion, feelings or reason, primary or secondary sources; and be on the lookout for deceptive argument techniques such as bandwagon or scare tactics, personal attack, faulty deductive reasoning, and vague generalizations.

Strive to understand the position of those who disagree with you. Your own knowledge is not complete until you understand other participants' points of view and why they feel the way they do. It is important to respect people who disagree with you. They have reasons for their beliefs which are usually not dumb or unreasonable. You should be able to make a good case for positions you disagree with. This level of comprehension and empathy will make you a much better advocate for whatever position you come to.