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Executive Education
    Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow HBS Experience Right arrow The Learning Experience Right arrow Discussion Groups
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow HBS Experience Right arrow The Learning Experience Right arrow Discussion Groups

    The Discussion Group Experience

    The Discussion Group Experience
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        Play video
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        Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
        Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
        Watch the VideoWatch the Video
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        Play video
        Play video
        Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
        Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
        Watch the VideoWatch the Video
        Program Finder

        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.
        Read More
        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

        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.
        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.

        BenefitsExpand AllCollapse All

        Gain a better understanding of the case materialsGain 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 othersPractice 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"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 deeplyGet 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.

        Benefits Dropdown up

        Benefits 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 PracticesExpand AllCollapse All

        Designate one discussion leaderDesignate 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 attendanceEnsure 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 participationExpect 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 viewpointsEncourage 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 wiselyStay 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 teachAccept 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.

        Best Practices Dropdown up

        Best Practices 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?

        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?

        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"?

        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.

        Play video
        Play video
        Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
        Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
        Watch the VideoWatch the Video
        Program Finder
        Play video
        Play video
        Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
        Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
        Watch the VideoWatch the Video
        Program Finder

        View Frequently Asked Questions

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