Executive Education
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    The Discussion Group Experience

    The Discussion Group Experience
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    Overview

    What makes the discussion group experience so transformational? The world-class business leaders who attend our Executive Education programs! For that reason, the time you spend in discussion with your group can contribute significantly to your learning experience at Harvard Business School.
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    Your discussion group will typically consist of seven or eight peers. After completing your individual case preparation, you'll meet with your group to discuss the day's assignment. This not only broadens your personal understanding, but also increases your confidence in sharing new ideas in larger classroom discussions.

    Overview icon-dropdown-down

    Overview icon-dropdown-down

    What makes the discussion group experience so transformational? The world-class business leaders who attend our Executive Education programs! For that reason, the time you spend in discussion with your group can contribute significantly to your learning experience at Harvard Business School.
    Your discussion group will typically consist of seven or eight peers. After completing your individual case preparation, you'll meet with your group to discuss the day's assignment. This not only broadens your personal understanding, but also increases your confidence in sharing new ideas in larger classroom discussions.

    BenefitsCollapse All

    Gain a better understanding of the case materialsGain a better understanding of the case materials
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    Being challenged by peers with different experiences and viewpoints will broaden your perspective and deepen your confidence.
    Practice teaching and learning from othersPractice teaching and learning from others
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    Actively listening, questioning, and contributing will improve your effectiveness and the discussion group's productivity.
    "Test-market" ideas and opinions before class"Test-market" ideas and opinions before class
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    Exploring the case with your discussion group beforehand will increase your comfort level when sharing in the classroom.
    Get to know a handful of people more deeplyGet to know a handful of people more deeply
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    Bonding with the members of your discussion group can lead to personal and professional relationships that last a lifetime.

    Benefits icon-dropdown-down

    Benefits icon-dropdown-down

    Gain a better understanding of the case materials

    Being challenged by peers with different experiences and viewpoints will broaden your perspective and deepen your confidence.

    Practice teaching and learning from others

    Actively listening, questioning, and contributing will improve your effectiveness and the discussion group's productivity.

    "Test-market" ideas and opinions before class

    Exploring the case with your discussion group beforehand will increase your comfort level when sharing in the classroom.

    Get to know a handful of people more deeply

    Bonding with the members of your discussion group can lead to personal and professional relationships that last a lifetime.

    Best PracticesCollapse All

    Designate one discussion leaderDesignate one discussion leader
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    We carefully assemble each group and randomly designate a discussion leader. Serving as a facilitator rather than a CEO, the discussion leader moves the group through the questions that accompany each case.
    Ensure 100 percent attendanceEnsure 100 percent attendance
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    Each group is designed to be a microcosm of the entire class. To ensure an optimal experience, it's imperative that every participant be committed to actively listening and engaging in every discussion.
    Expect 100 percent participationExpect 100 percent participation
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    All group members share responsibility for the content of each discussion. Rather than relying on a "subject matter expert," a "non-expert" often will ask an insightful question that leads the discussion in an unexpected direction.
    Encourage challenging viewpointsEncourage challenging viewpoints
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    The most effective discussion groups welcome diverse perspectives. When other group members challenge their viewpoints, participants often find that their initial understanding of the material is significantly enhanced.
    Stay Focused and use time wiselyStay Focused and use time wisely
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    During a heated discussion, it's easy to get off track or filibuster an idea, but two-way discussions are always the most productive. Designate a timekeeper and make sure that everyone has an opportunity to share.
    Accept responsibility to learn and teachAccept responsibility to learn and teach
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    Each participant will have different strengths and weaknesses. Even if you're unsure about a particular reading, your thoughtful questions and tentative ideas will contribute to the learning of others.

    Best Practices icon-dropdown-down

    Best Practices icon-dropdown-down

    Designate one discussion leader

    We carefully assemble each group and randomly designate a discussion leader. Serving as a facilitator rather than a CEO, the discussion leader moves the group through the questions that accompany each case.

    Ensure 100 percent attendance

    Each group is designed to be a microcosm of the entire class. To ensure an optimal experience, it's imperative that every participant be committed to actively listening and engaging in every discussion.

    Expect 100 percent participation

    All group members share responsibility for the content of each discussion. Rather than relying on a "subject matter expert," a "non-expert" often will ask an insightful question that leads the discussion in an unexpected direction.

    Encourage challenging viewpoints

    The most effective discussion groups welcome diverse perspectives. When other group members challenge their viewpoints, participants often find that their initial understanding of the material is significantly enhanced.

    Stay Focused and use time wisely

    During a heated discussion, it's easy to get off track or filibuster an idea, but two-way discussions are always the most productive. Designate a timekeeper and make sure that everyone has an opportunity to share.

    Accept responsibility to learn and teach

    Each participant will have different strengths and weaknesses. Even if you're unsure about a particular reading, your thoughtful questions and tentative ideas will contribute to the learning of others.
    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I expect on the first day?
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    Most programs begin with registration, followed by an opening session and a dinner. If your travel plans necessitate late arrival, please be sure to notify us so that alternate registration arrangements can be made for you. Please note the following about registration:

    HBS campus programs – Registration takes place in the Chao Center.

    India programs – Registration takes place outside the classroom.

    Other off-campus programs – Registration takes place in the designated facility.

    What happens in class if nobody talks?
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    Professors are here to push everyone to learn, but not to embarrass anyone. If the class is quiet, they’ll often ask a participant with experience in the industry in which the case is set to speak first. This is done well in advance so that person can come to class prepared to share. Trust the process. The more open you are, the more willing you’ll be to engage, and the more alive the classroom will become.

    Does everyone take part in "role-playing"?
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    Professors often encourage participants to take opposing sides and then debate the issues, often taking the perspective of the case protagonists or key decision makers in the case.

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