ROLE OF THE CHAIRPERSON

(David et al., 1999)

Successfully leading a group discussion requires group management skills. These skills are related
to (1) the group process, (2) the logical structure of the discussion and (3) the content of the
discussion. Like many skills, acquiring the skills of leading a group discussion requires practice
with feedback. The following are suggestions to help those new to the task.

a. Investigate who the group members are. Preliminary introductions help members of a new
group to get to know each other.
b. Make agreements with group members about the procedure of the discussion: how the
problem will be discussed, how the time allotted for the discussion will be spent, how
decision will be made. Make evaluative comments during and at the end of the discussion
by asking "Does everyone agree with that we are doing and the way this is done?" or " Is
everyone satisfied with this procedure?"
c. Introduce the problem for discussion. Ensure that group members are interested in the
problem. If they are not, it may be that they do not feel it is relevant, and this will merit its
own short discussion. Keep the introduction neutral, and refrain from expressing opinions
as this can influence the opinions of others and dominate the discussion.
d. If silent reading of the problem is the preference of the group, then give group members
time to read the problem.
e. Invite participation from all group members. This can be done verbally ('what do you
think?') and nonverbally (chairperson looks at John).
f. Summarize or encourage another group member to do so regularly. Ask a group member a
paraphrase or restate the response3 given by another. Summarizing and paraphrasing not
only demands constant attention from all group members, but also draws together the key
points, unresolved issues and important links. When expressed in an individual's own
words and interrogatively, they help group members to concentrate on what is said and
whether or not it is correct. Summarizing and paraphrasing strengthens comprehension,
promotes deeper understanding and stimulates thoughts and opinions for further
discussion.
g. When thoughts and opinions are not clearly formulated, it is important to elaborate.
Elaborating helps to keep the discussion on track, to deepen understanding and to
stimulate further discussion.
h. Stimulate the group to discuss the problem from different angles.
i. Set an example that facilitates the group process. By expressing his/her own thoughts and
feelings, the group leader can dispel inhibitions that group members might have about
contributing their own thoughts and feelings.
j. Give process observations to make group members aware about what is happening in the
group. For example, group members may be talking to the chairperson rather than with
each other. Thank group in embers for helpful contributions. Although all irrelevant remarks
are not likely to interrupt a recognized in a manner that is not embarrassing to the speaker.
k. Reformulate the subject concretely mentioning common and any possible opposing views.
Check with the group whether or nor the formulation is indeed a reflection of the
discussion. After reformulating, make a proposal about how to continue the discussion.
 l. Bring the discussion to a conclusion. Make decision about learning goals with the group
members. Seek consensus and check that all group members agree with the learning
goals.
m. Help the group work within the time allotted for the tutorial.

All this may seem a bit overpowering for new students leading groups for the first time. It does all
get easier with practice. Leadership is itself a learning process. For more experienced students or
graduate students who are well accustomed to working in groups, there may be little or no need for
chairperson.

ROLE OF THE SCRIBE

The scribe has the important role of note-taking, usually using a flip-chart, overhead transparency
or white/black board. Organized notes help the group to identify important ideas and provide a
record that facilitates learning and remembering. The following steps help good note-taking.

a. Listen carefully to the discussion. If uncertain, ask the group what was said and whether or
not it should be written down.
b. Note down ideas and concepts no matter how trivial or far-fetched they might seem, but do
not attempt to write down every word that is said.
c. Organize the notes by categorizing concepts. For example, in a two-day-old infant with
jaundice, one would categorize this a s either being conjugated or unconjugated
hyperbilirubinaemia. The most important part of note-taking is to present the information as
a whole with all its relationships and interconnected parts. Organizing concepts requires
analyses rather than merely memorizing and helps students to understand what they are
studying. Organized notes are also easier to remember.
d. Review the notes with group members to check that they are representative of the group's
thoughts and concepts.
e. Use abbreviations that other group members are familiar with.
f. Do not forget the scribe is still a contributing member of the group! It is difficult to do well
both the task of scribe and participate actively in the discussion. If the scribe becomes
involved with the discussion as much as other group members, the scribing may be poor. If
the scribe does not participate and simply writes things down mechanically, he or she will
lose out. The trick is for the scribe follow the discussion by mentally leading it, which will
enable the scribe to make some contributions while actively thinking about the problem.
g. Leave space so that information may be added later. One way is to take notes of main ideas
on the left side of the flip-chart or board, leaving the right side blank for adding supporting
details, comments, questions, examples or restated thoughts.
h. Highlight important concepts, for example by underlining or the use of capital letters.
i. Do not misuse the position of standing near the flip-chart and of holding the pen by being
authoritarian and judgmental. Do not write down your own contributions but selectively
ignore contributions of others!
j. Groups can be well controlled by a good scribe. For example. " I need to know what you are
saying to put it on the flip-chart" is a useful and helpful way of guiding and focusing thought.
 THE ROLE OF PATIENTS IN MEDICAL
EDUCATION

Real Patient:
Real patients either in-ward or out-patient may provide the opportunity of students to
practice their skills in finding information by asking clinical histories, and doing physical
examination. Students may have the opportunity to practice their clinical reasoning skills in
planning patients management, including deciding a further supporting examination or treatment.
Students also have the opportunity to face patients as a complete individual, with their problem
related to patient's illness (socio economic, emotional, relationship with the family, etc). There are
some opportunities for student to practice their ability in communication skills to discuss treatment
plan with the patients and their relatives, to deliver bad news, etc.
Appropriate patients with clinical histories or sign relevant to students' stage in the
curriculum can then be demonstrated by tutor.

Invited Patients:
Patients with good histories or stable clinical sign or those who have already taken part in
teaching sessions are invited to join in a "bank" of real patients willing to attend on future
occasion.

Simulated Patient:
Simulated patient (SP) is healthy people who have been trained to simulate patient's
condition. SP gives the opportunity to student to practice their skills in a laboratory situation. SP
may give a relevant feedback to the student. Student can practice the procedure of history taking,
physical examination, and counseling. However student may not be able to find pathologic finding
of physical examination.

To study the phenomena of disease without books is to sail an uncharted sea,