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

Tips for Discussion Group Leaders

Tips for Discussion Group Leaders
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Discussion Leaders
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Experience the Case Method in the ClassroomExperience the Case Method in the Classroom
Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
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Play video
Play video
Experience the Case Method in the ClassroomExperience the Case Method in the Classroom
Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Program Finder

Once the program begins, each discussion group is assigned a leader who serves as the facilitator for each case study. Here are some tips for leading an insightful and productive exchange.

  • Before you begin, make sure that all members understand the value of the discussion group process. You may find it helpful to have a brief conversation about the Discussion Group Best Practices listed above.
  • Think of yourself as a discussion facilitator. Your goal is to keep the group focused on moving through the case questions. Don't feel that you need to master all the content more thoroughly than the other group members do.
  • Guide the group through the study questions for each assignment. Keep track of time so that your group can discuss all the cases and readings, instead of being bogged down in the first case of the morning or afternoon.
  • The study questions are designed to keep the group focused on the key issues that will contribute to an effective discussion in the larger classroom meeting. Don’t let your peers stray too far into anecdotes or issues that aren't relevant.
  • If a subset of your living group appears to be dominating the discussion, encourage the less vocal members to participate. They'll be more apt to speak up if you ask them to share their unique perspectives on the topic at hand.
  • If you have questions about how to handle a specific situation that may arise in your group, please reach out to the faculty or staff for assistance. We’re here to help you get the most out of your group discussions.
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Once the program begins, each discussion group is assigned a leader who serves as the facilitator for each case study. Here are some tips for leading an insightful and productive exchange.

  • Before you begin, make sure that all members understand the value of the discussion group process. You may find it helpful to have a brief conversation about the Discussion Group Best Practices listed above.
  • Think of yourself as a discussion facilitator. Your goal is to keep the group focused on moving through the case questions. Don't feel that you need to master all the content more thoroughly than the other group members do.
  • Guide the group through the study questions for each assignment. Keep track of time so that your group can discuss all the cases and readings, instead of being bogged down in the first case of the morning or afternoon.
  • The study questions are designed to keep the group focused on the key issues that will contribute to an effective discussion in the larger classroom meeting. Don’t let your peers stray too far into anecdotes or issues that aren't relevant.
  • If a subset of your living group appears to be dominating the discussion, encourage the less vocal members to participate. They'll be more apt to speak up if you ask them to share their unique perspectives on the topic at hand.
  • If you have questions about how to handle a specific situation that may arise in your group, please reach out to the faculty or staff for assistance. We’re here to help you get the most out of your group discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Play video
Play video
Experience the Case Method in the ClassroomExperience the Case Method in the Classroom
Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Program Finder
Play video
Play video
Experience the Case Method in the ClassroomExperience the Case Method in the Classroom
Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Program Finder

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