How do I use buzz groups in training?

Have you considered using buzz groups as a technique to liven up your workouts? We have prepared this technical training and offer it here as a resource for facilitators. Read on to find out how to use focus groups in training, including the detailed facilitator process, guidelines, pitfalls, and variations.

Description

A focus group is a small group, consisting of three to six people who are assigned a task to complete in a short period of time. Generally, each buzz group logs its departure and then reports back to the larger group.

This activity can be used to:

• Build a schedule.
• Evaluate an activity, workshop or process.
• It serves as an icebreaker.
• Warm up a group to a new topic.
• Solve problems.
• Approach a subject from a new perspective.
• Share ideas.
• Gather problems.
• Generate ideas.
• Generate lists.
• Collect feedback.
• Allow all participants to have their say.
• Create a safer learning environment than in a larger group.
• Reflect and review.

facilitator process

1. Pre-assess the group to determine what the participants already know about the topic.
2. Share the purpose and objectives of the activity with the group.
3. Explain the procedure:
   • Form small groups.
   • Choose recorders.
   • Complete the activity.
   • Select one or more presenters.
   • Inform the larger group.
   • Report session.
4. Clarify the task, guidelines and reporting expectations.
5. Announce the duration of the session, if applicable.
6. Break larger groups into smaller groups. Buzz groups can be formed in several ways:
   • Ask the participants to address those closest to them.
   • Build a team with people with common/different interests
   • Form teams based on your abilities or learning style
7. Advise each group to choose a recorder.
8. Ask and answer any questions about the procedure.
9. Login.
10. Circulate and monitor.
11. Tell participants when there is a minute or two left in the activity and remind them to choose a presenter, if necessary.
12. Finish the activity.
13. Ask each group to report back to the larger group.
14. Acknowledge the contributions of each group and process the information.
15. Report session.
16. Summarize the session by recapping the main points.
17. Conclude with a review of the learning objectives, if applicable.
18. Do a post-assessment to determine what learning occurred.

Guidelines for facilitators

• Use creative ways to break the class into smaller discussion groups.
• Recognize that some participants feel more secure and thrive in a small group; they may be less communicative in a larger group.
• Before you start, inform the participants of the difficulties and encourage them to involve each other in the process.
• Observe the small group dynamic.
• Create a new discussion group regularly.

Guidelines for attendees

• Make sure you understand the task.
• Recognize that everyone has important ideas and perspectives to contribute.
• Choose a recorder.
• Respect and listen to each other.
• Encourage each other to participate and contribute.
• Milk

traps

• Allowing the first group to report all the information.
• Too much repetition in the reporting process.
• The facilitator exerts too much control over the buzz that the exit group exerts.
• The group size is too small or too large.
• A participant mastering the small group process.
• Assigning a task that is too large to be accomplished in the allotted time.
• Comment groups become repetitive and boring for participants when used too often.

hot tricks

• Add aromas, food, drinks or color to stimulate the senses.
• Provide food and/or refreshments.
• Play background music while the murmur groups are in progress.
• Groups can work during a break, during lunch, or outside in a different location.
• Have participants work on their own projects if possible; learning is more meaningful to them.

variations

• Groups can be assigned separate projects and then educate the larger group on their results.
• Buzz groups can join one or more groups as part of a larger group process.

We hope you find this article helpful and we look forward to hearing about your successes as you incorporate the focus group technique into your training sessions.