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» Stages of the round table. Round table, discussion, debate. The nuances of organizing a round table in the classroom

Stages of the round table. Round table, discussion, debate. The nuances of organizing a round table in the classroom

Round tables - This is one of the most popular formats for conducting scientific events. In essence, the Round Table is a platform for discussion of a limited number of people (usually no more than 25 people; by default, experts, respected specialists in a particular field).

But you should not use the concept of “round table” as a synonym for the concepts of “discussion”, “polemic”, “dialogue”. It is not right. Each of them has its own content, and it only partially coincides with the content of the others. A “round table” is a form of organizing an exchange of opinions. This term does not indicate what the nature of the exchange of opinions will be. In contrast, the concept of “discussion” assumes that during, for example, a “round table” its participants not only make reports on some issue, but also exchange remarks, clarify each other’s positions, etc. Within the framework of the discussion, free exchange of opinions (open discussion of professional problems). “Policy” is a special type of discussion, during which some participants try to refute and “destroy” their opponents. “Dialogue,” in turn, is a type of speech characterized by situationality (depending on the situation of the conversation), contextuality (depending on previous statements), a low degree of organization, involuntariness and unplanned nature.

Purpose of the Round Table - provide participants with the opportunity to express their point of view on the problem under discussion, and subsequently formulate either a common opinion or clearly distinguish between the different positions of the parties.

Organizational features of round tables:

    relative cheapness of holding compared to other “open” event formats;

    lack of a rigid structure and regulations. That is, the organizer has practically no tools for direct influence on the program (you cannot force guests to say what the organizers want), but only indirect ones. For example, you can divide the entire discussion into several semantic blocks, thereby formalizing the structure of the event, but everything that happens within these blocks depends entirely on the host of the Round Table; . significant restrictions in terms of the number of visitors;

    intimate event.

Moderation (conducting).

A key element of any Round Table is moderation. The term "moderation" comes from the Italian "moderare" and means "mitigation", "restraint", "moderation", "restraint". The moderator is the host of the round table. In its modern meaning, moderation is understood as a technique for organizing communication, thanks to which group work becomes more focused and structured.

Presenter's task- not just announce the list of participants, identify the main topics of the event and give a start to the Round Table, but keep in your hands everything that happens from beginning to end.

Rules for round table participants:

    the participant must be an expert on the topic being discussed;

    You should not agree to participate in the Round Table just for the sake of the very fact of participation.

    Stages of preparing round tables:

    1.Choosing a topic. Here the general rule should be taken into account: the more specifically the topic is formulated, the better. In addition, the topic should be of interest to the audience.

    2. Selection of the presenter (moderator) and his preparation. The moderator must have such qualities as communication skills, artistry, and intelligence. Personal charm and a sense of tact are also important.

    3. Selection of participants and identification of experts for the Round Table. The essence of any Round Table is to attempt a brainstorming session on a specific issue and find answers to some important questions. To do this, it is necessary to gather in one place people who have the necessary knowledge on the issue that requires coverage. These people are called experts or specialists. The initiator needs to identify potential experts who could give qualified answers to questions that arise as part of the discussion of the stated topic of the Round Table.

    5.Preparing a questionnaire for Round Table participants - the purpose of the survey is to quickly and without a lot of time and money to get an objective idea of ​​the opinion of the Round Table participants on the issues discussed. The survey can be continuous (in which all participants of the Round Table are surveyed) or selective (in which part of the Round Table participants are surveyed).

    6. Preparation of a preliminary resolution of the Round Table. The draft final document should include a statement part, which lists the problems that were discussed by the participants of the Round Table. The resolution may contain specific recommendations to libraries, methodological centers, government bodies at various levels, developed during discussion or decisions that can be implemented through certain activities, indicating the deadlines for their implementation and those responsible.

Methodology for conducting the Round Table.

The round table is opened by the presenter. He introduces the participants in the discussion, directs its course, follows the regulations, which are determined at the beginning of the discussion, summarizes the results, and summarizes constructive proposals. The discussion within the Round Table should be constructive and should not be reduced, on the one hand, only to reports on the work done, and on the other hand, only to critical speeches. Messages should be short, no more than 10-12 minutes. The draft final document is announced at the end of the discussion (discussion), additions, changes, and amendments are made to it.

Options for holding round tables:

    The first option is for participants to make presentations and then discuss them. At the same time, the presenter takes a relatively modest part in the meeting - distributes the time for speeches, gives the floor to the discussion participants.

    The second option is for the presenter to interview the Round Table participants or put forward points for discussion. In this case, he makes sure that all participants speak out and “keeps” the course of the discussion in line with the main problem for which the round table meeting was organized. This way of conducting the Round Table arouses greater interest among the audience. But it requires greater skill and deep knowledge of the “nuances” of the problem being discussed from the presenter.

    The third option is “methodological gatherings”. The organization of such a round table has its own characteristics. Issues that are essential for solving some key tasks of the educational process are proposed for discussion. The topic of discussion is not announced in advance. In this case, the skill of the Round Table presenter is to invite listeners in a relaxed atmosphere to a frank conversation on the issue under discussion and lead them to certain conclusions. The purpose of such “get-togethers” is to form the correct point of view on a certain pedagogical problem; creating a favorable psychological climate in this group of students.

    The fourth option is “methodological dialogue”. As part of this form of the Round Table, listeners are familiarized with the topic of discussion in advance and receive theoretical homework. A methodological dialogue is conducted on a specific problem between the presenter and listeners or between groups of listeners. The driving force of dialogue is the culture of communication and the activity of listeners. The general emotional atmosphere is of great importance, which allows one to evoke a feeling of internal unity. In conclusion, a conclusion is drawn on the topic and a decision is made on further joint actions.

Presentation of materials from the Round Table.

The most common options for publishing the results of round table discussions are as follows:

    a brief (reduced) summary of all the speeches of the Round Table participants. In this case, the most important thing is selected. The text is given on behalf of the participants in the form of direct speech. At the same time, the host of the Round Table must discuss with the speakers what exactly will be selected for publication from each speech. These rules dictate ethical requirements that must always be observed when working with authors of texts.

    general summary, extracted from various speeches made during the discussion. In essence, these are general conclusions on the material that was presented during the conversation or discussion of the Round Table.

    a complete summary of all participants' speeches.

Therefore, there is no special procedure for allocating seats and no protocol difficulties arise. A clear direction for the round table discussion is the most important condition for its success. A round table discussion is usually organized with the goal of resolving a specific problem through discussion. Participants in the round table can be either colleagues from the same management level, or employees from different levels and divisions of the company. By summarizing opinions, conversation participants analyze theses and antitheses. As a result, a unified position is developed. Round table participants have equal rights, i.e. their votes carry equal weight regardless of their official position. This makes it possible to use the knowledge and abilities of various specialists to solve problems. It is advisable that they are not directly subordinate. Otherwise, individual participants will feel constrained, which may negatively affect the results of the conversation.

A clear direction for the round table discussion is the most important condition for its success. Eat three options Definitions of the leader of the round table discussion:


  1. Participants choose him from their circle. Sometimes this takes time, as disagreements may arise.

  2. It is determined by a superior manager if the conversation is conducted on his initiative.

  3. The conversation is led alternately by its participants. This method has worked well for regular conversations.
An employee assigned to lead a round table should not act as a representative of the manager in relation to colleagues. He is only the first among equals. Otherwise, an open discussion among colleagues may turn into information about management's plans.

The leader of the round table discussion performs double function: he is both a presenter and a participant:


  1. On the one hand, he must be a neutral mediator, holding in his hands the threads of the discussion and directing it towards the goal.

  2. On the other hand, he is an equal participant in the discussion. He is obliged to express his own opinion on the issues discussed.
The moderator is an equal participant in the round table, therefore his position is much weaker than the position of the leader when conducting an official meeting. In addition, it should be taken into account that colleagues at a round table discuss much more harshly, they are less restrained than at an office meeting. This makes it very difficult to have a discussion. It is important for the leader of the conversation to maintain the comradely tone that is inherent in the conversation of equal colleagues, and at the same time not to lose his authority. Therefore, the leader of the discussion must follow a certain pattern that makes it easier to carry out his difficult mission.

The fundamental principle of the round table is dividing a general topic into a number of subtopics. As a result, it becomes possible to purposefully move from one position to another and pose appropriate questions. At the same time, the leader must ensure that each participant in the conversation has the opportunity to express his point of view.

Round table methodology

Round table - traditional business discussion. The round table, for all its democracy, contains elements of organization and assumes the following principles:


  • there are no clearly defined positions, but only participants in the discussion of a controversial issue;

  • all positions are equal, and no one has the right to be superior to others;

  • The purpose of the round table is to elicit ideas and opinions regarding the problem or controversial issue being discussed.
Based on agreements, the round table produces results that are new agreements.

Purpose of the round table – exchange of views on the stated problem or issue.
General rules for discussion:


  1. There is no discussion without a key question.

  2. A round table involves a key issue in the form of an agenda.

  3. The key issue must be previously agreed upon with all interested participants in the discussion.

  4. The nature of the round table discussion is that the speech is an expression of one’s own opinion;

  5. Criticism is practically unacceptable here, since everyone has the right to express their point of view. Ideas are criticized, not individuals; criticism should be constructive, not destructive, loyal, and not personal.
When holding a round table, a problem is voiced and the opinions of various parties involved in solving it are clarified. If not carried out professionally, this event often leads to a “bazaar” and aggravation of existing contradictions. Therefore, holding a round table requires skills and techniques for organizing the process of discussing the most pressing issues in education. The selection of participants is very important. Much depends on the purpose of the round table and the severity of the problem that is being discussed. Of course, the participants in the discussion should, first of all, be representatives of the “involved” parties. These are people and organizations that are (or should be, but are not) engaged in solving the problems under discussion. For the discussion to be effective, it is necessary to gather the maximum possible number of representatives of different points of view, to unite all parties involved, representatives of education, the public, etc.

Each group has its own rules:


  1. If you are invited to the round table government representative, then you should not promise the other participants that he will come. Firstly, he may not come. Secondly, those who are interested in this person, and not in the discussion, will come. The focus of the round table may be shifted.

  2. If invited school leaders, then it is necessary to provide for a situation with possible importunity of participants with requests for financing of certain types of activities.

  3. As for the media, first of all, you need to decide whether to invite them or not. If the discussion is held in order to voice all the problems, try to understand each other and discuss solutions, then perhaps it is better not to invite the media. This kind of round table requires an atmosphere of freedom and openness, and the press always “fetters” people; not everything can be said in the presence of the media, knowing that it can be voiced on television or in the press. As a rule, the media are invited in order to convey the fact of the discussion or its results to certain organizations and/or the population.
There should be no random people at the round table. When inviting participants, you need to proceed from certain criteria: the participant is related to this problem; he has something to say (possession of information, figures, facts, etc.); he is ready to solve the problem constructively. Since a round table is an event that is always limited in time, unnecessary people, unconstructive, “empty” conversations will “eat up” time.

Each stage of the round table is carefully thought out, especially the preparatory stage:
- Determining the topic and purpose of the round table.

Selection of participants.

Planning the content of the event.

Planning organizational issues and technical aspects

Events.

Development of the content of the round table includes determining the name (which will appear in all documents, press releases, etc.), the purpose (which will also be declared everywhere), the list of participants, the need to invite the media and experts.

The content part determines the parameters of the discussion: what aspects will be discussed (logic of topic development), then the main information blocks are built on this. The next step is to determine the rules for organizing the discussion process: who will be given the floor and in what order, the schedule of speeches, how questions will be asked - a block of questions and answers can be placed after each information block, or after each speech, who will be asked questions - the speaker or a friend friend/all discussion participants.

At the stage of preparing the round table, you need to pay attention to the beginning of each information block - where each new block begins - with a speech, a short message on a given topic, an example, or a provocative question (seed).
To have a productive discussion, it is important to choose the right facilitator and clearly outline his spheres of influence. The facilitator's job is to help participants discuss the problem effectively and constructively. If the presenter has a good command of the topic and useful information for discussion, then he/she can also act as an expert. The role of the facilitator should be defined at the preparation stage and announced to those present at the very beginning of the discussion. In the process of holding a round table, the presenter must strictly adhere to his role, in no case use his position to speak himself or give the floor to the same people, and in general, there should be “as few presenters as possible.” His behavior in general can be described as neutral, tactful, unobtrusive. The presenter must constantly monitor the rules, sum up the interim results of the discussion, clarify, summarize, ask leading or provocative questions if the discussion is fading, and also translate into a constructive direction the flaring up emotional discussion on key points of the issue or problem.

Stages of conducting a round table:


  1. The presenter names the topic, purpose, rules of discussion, and regulations for speeches. You can specify issues that will not be discussed during this event.

  2. Then the presenter introduces the participants or invites them to introduce themselves (this is beneficial if the presenter is an outsider and does not know the people who are taking part in the event, as well as if the participants have complex names, surnames or names of organizations).

  3. Next, the presenter names the first block of discussion. As a rule, after this there is silence, it is necessary to give people a little time. If discussion still does not occur, then you can ask several additional (pre-prepared questions).
The role of the roundtable facilitator is to regulate and encourage participants to have an effective discussion.

Actions of the round table leader:


  • stimulate discussion of an issue that seems important to you (for example, “And everyone agrees with this?”);

  • to “protect” part of the group that is being aggressively “attacked” by another. In this case, it is not at all necessary that the presenter speaks “for” or “against” one of them. It’s just worth remembering in this situation that the round table participants have different points of view, and everyone has the right to this. The purpose of the round table is to exchange opinions, and not to bring them “to one denominator”;

  • include in the discussion people who would like to speak, but cannot do so due to non-compliance with the procedure by other participants;

  • respond to comments based on speculation rather than facts (“Can you back this up with facts?”) In this case, the presenter can provide reliable information (if he has it);

  • find out the opinion of other participants on a question or argument (“Does everyone share this point of view?”);

  • express your own opinion (but do not abuse your position);

  • “provoke” discussion from a different point of view (“And if you look at the problem...”);

  • ask additional questions in order to expand / deepen / change the topic under discussion;

  • stimulate discussion (“How do you feel about this?” “Do you all agree with this?”)

  • remind participants of facts that they have not yet taken into account in the discussion.
If one of the issues discussed is fundamentally important for the participants and requires more time than originally planned, then the round table program can be changed, but subject to the agreement of all participants.
The moderator of the round table has the right to tactfully direct the activities of the participants. You should know six basic methods of intervening in discussion, the use of which depends on the specific situation or solution to the problem:

  1. Controlling. The facilitator determines the course of the discussion and the time required for a particular issue. For example, “Now, let’s continue the discussion...”. “With this, we can conclude the discussion of this issue...”

  2. Informational. The facilitator presents information that may be useful in discussing the issue. The information can be not only statistics, but also theory, trends, and practical examples.

  3. Confrontational. The presenter “breaks” stereotypes, traditional opinions, attitudes, etc. This intervention should not appear aggressive. To do this, you should start with the words “Why not...?” You need to be prepared for a defensive reaction from the audience, since in this case certain values, views, and beliefs of specific people are affected.

  1. Overwhelming. If emotions have accumulated during the discussion, then you need to remove them. The deeper the emotions, the more difficult it is to cope with them. If the facilitator has no experience in managing these types of situations, it is better to do nothing.

  2. Catalytic. It is used to summarize what has been said, analyze opinions, summarize, etc.

  3. Supportive. The presenter makes it clear to the discussion participants in every possible way that their message is valuable to those present and deserves attention. The danger in using this method is that the facilitator may either appear insincere to the participants, or find himself in the position of someone who knows the “right answer.”
When holding round tables, much attention is paid to summarizing and summing up the work of the round table. Debriefing is especially useful because it provides an opportunity to check the degree of agreement among group members. If participants do not agree with each other, it is better to reveal this during the discussion than later in the actual activity. If the agreement reached during the discussion is not a real agreement, then it is quite possible that it will not be carried out in life after the end of the discussion. Generalizations should be made periodically at certain intervals (they can be timed to different information blocks of the round table), especially if the discussion is designed for a long time or includes different aspects of the topic.

When generalizing, you need to speak in the words that the participants used, and only what you heard, without adding anything new from yourself. It is important to make sure that the group agrees on the main points you have listed. It is not necessary to seek agreement of all participants on the issues discussed.

The purpose of the round table is to exchange opinions and, when generalizing / summing up, it is better to identify / state the views and points of view that the group has. Even if new questions or topics arise during the discussion, you should not deviate from the program. Be sure to leave enough time to complete the round table and summarize its results. If the round table is difficult to complete, the participants strive to continue the discussion, then this is a good indicator of the success of the event.
When holding a round table when discussing an issue, problems may arise, as well as too many negative opinions expressed that seriously affect the interests of the participants in the discussion, in which case the moderator must be aware that his/her powers are limited and do not include changing the point of view or beliefs of the people who participate in the discussion. He should only state facts and opinions, while remaining as objective as possible. He/she can also take part in the discussion and express his/her opinion or suggest a solution to the problem, but under no circumstances should he/she argue with the participants or try to convince them otherwise. It is best to allow all participants to express their opinions. Even if the discussion threatens to turn into a heated discussion, this will help to “blow off steam.” But if such a problem arises, then the discussion cannot be constructive; the participants will easily agree with the first proposed point of view, since there are no others and, in order to argue, you need to know the subject. In this situation, you can interrupt the discussion and have a short session (present information on the topic, experiences or facts) and then continue the discussion.

The most interesting technique for holding a round table can be called “Brainstorming”. When conducting a brainstorming session, special attention is paid to posing a question that reveals the main ideas of the task.

We offer a methodology for carrying out “ Brainstorming in groups":


  • teaching and learning strategies that promote students' use of flexible calculation strategies (i.e., strategies most appropriate for specific calculations);

  • teaching and learning strategies that promote students' thinking and discussion about the effectiveness of the calculation strategies they use.
Requirements for questions:

  1. Definition. Can you state this in another way? Can you think through what you said? Is there another word or phrase that expresses the problem more clearly?

  2. Accuracy. How can we check the validity of a statement? How can you check for correctness? What is the source of information? How can we clarify or test information? (This refers more to a problem whose source is known and controlled by the teacher or district, but does this allow the situation or statement to be challenged?)

  3. Depth. What factor makes this problem difficult? Why are some features inherent in this problem? (Regarding simple answers)

  4. Connectivity. How does this relate to the problem? How will this help us?

  5. Justice. Are you legitimately interested in this issue? Do you present the relevant points of view of others in a sympathetic manner?
Recommendations for the effective work of the round table:

1. Strict time limit at the 1st stage is 5-7 minutes.

2. During the discussion, ideas are not criticized, but disagreements are recorded.

3. Prompt recording of proposals made.

respect for the different points of view of its participants;

joint search for a constructive solution to disagreements that have arisen. Very often, in the work of the round table, in addition to discussions and discussions of issues, the “Cluster Creation” strategy is used, which is aimed at the effective work of groups. A cluster is a way of graphically organizing material that makes it possible to visualize the mental processes that occur when immersed in a particular topic.

A cluster is a reflection of a nonlinear form of thinking. This method is sometimes called “visual brainstorming.” Having mastered the skills of graphic presentation of material, a person discovers new aspects of the depicted phenomenon, learns to separate information learned from existing knowledge. A wise man once said, “When I write, I learn about what I think about.” When a learner uses a cluster, they gain a better understanding of themselves and what they are learning. Seeing his success, he becomes interested in learning new things. By drawing up drawings, diagrams, and clusters, we develop the creativity of students, because each cluster is individual and unique.

The cluster can also be used to organize individual and group round table work. Participants develop skills such as the ability to highlight keywords, the ability to find an error and correct it, and the ability to rank information according to the degree of novelty and significance. Mental activity skills develop: the ability to compare, highlight the main thing, the ability to predict, the ability to generalize and systematize.

When implementing this strategy, you need to use the following actions:

1. In the middle of a blank sheet of paper (chalkboard) write a keyword or sentence that is the “heart” of the idea or topic.

2. Place words or sentences around that express ideas, facts, images that are suitable for this topic.

3. As you write, the words that appear are connected by straight lines to the key concept. Each of the “satellites”, in turn, also has “satellites”, and new logical connections are established.

Participants should follow the following rules when creating a cluster:

1. Don't be afraid to write down everything that comes to mind. Give free rein to your imagination and intuition.

2. Continue working until time runs out or ideas run out.

3. Try to build as many connections as possible. Don't follow a predetermined plan.

In organizing the activities of the round table, it is important to take into account the preparatory work: various sources of information used in the process of identifying problems, preparing and making decisions; internal and external reporting and statistical data, scientific literature, reviews, legislative and regulatory acts, regulations, instructions, foreign analogues, expert assessments, attitudes of decision makers, etc. The process of developing and making decisions based on the results of the round table for this is necessary formulate and formulate the goals and objectives of the prepared solution. From a clearly defined goal, tasks are drawn more clearly. At the same time, the formulation of goals and objectives is inevitably affected by the psychology and interests of those involved in the analysis, preparation, development of a decision and, especially, its adoption.

A correctly organized, rationally organized process of developing and making decisions at the round table should include the formulation and analysis of limitations, the formation of a zone of existence of acceptable solutions or alternatives. It is also desirable that the alternatives selected for comparison differ significantly from each other in the ways of solving the problem, and thereby in the depth and time of the solution, and the resources spent. If this condition is met, the likelihood of subsequent selection of the most favorable solution option increases. When choosing solutions for the preferred option, all round table participants consider and take into account a number of outcome indicators: resource and time costs, risk, consequences of the decision. Validity of the decision largely depends on the depth of its elaboration, the consistency of the stages listed above and the procedures for developing solutions. To achieve success in the work of the round table, it is extremely important not only to make a reasonable, expedient, justified, effective decision, but also to take measures to ensure its practical implementation. It is necessary to bring the decision to the performers and inform the entire circle of participants in the execution about it. It is also required to organize management of the implementation of the decision made at all stages of its implementation in accordance with a specially developed schedule.

Approximate program for the round table

Round tables - This is one of the most popular formats for conducting scientific events. In essence, the Round Table is a platform for discussion of a limited number of people (usually no more than 25 people; by default, experts, respected specialists in a particular field).

But you should not use the concept of “round table” as a synonym for the concepts of “discussion”, “polemic”, “dialogue”. It is not right. Each of them has its own content, and it only partially coincides with the content of the others. A “round table” is a form of organizing an exchange of opinions. This term does not indicate what the nature of the exchange of opinions will be. In contrast, the concept of “discussion” assumes that during, for example, a “round table” its participants not only make reports on some issue, but also exchange remarks, clarify each other’s positions, etc. Within the framework of the discussion, free exchange of opinions (open discussion of professional problems). “Policy” is a special type of discussion, during which some participants try to refute and “destroy” their opponents. “Dialogue,” in turn, is a type of speech characterized by situationality (depending on the situation of the conversation), contextuality (depending on previous statements), a low degree of organization, involuntariness and unplanned nature.

Purpose of the Round Table provide participants with the opportunity to express their point of view on the problem under discussion, and subsequently formulate either a common opinion or clearly distinguish between the different positions of the parties.

Organizational features of round tables:

    relative cheapness of holding compared to other “open” event formats;

    lack of a rigid structure and regulations. That is, the organizer has practically no tools for direct influence on the program (you cannot force guests to say what the organizers want), but only indirect ones. For example, you can divide the entire discussion into several semantic blocks, thereby formalizing the structure of the event, but everything that happens within these blocks depends entirely on the host of the Round Table; significant restrictions in terms of the number of visitors;

    intimate event.

Moderation (conducting).

A key element of any Round Table is moderation. The term "moderation" comes from the Italian "moderare" and means "mitigation", "restraint", "moderation", "restraint". The moderator is the host of the round table. In its modern meaning, moderation is understood as a technique for organizing communication, thanks to which group work becomes more focused and structured.

Presenter's task– not just announce the list of participants, outline the main topics of the event and start the Round Table, but keep everything that happens from beginning to end in your hands. Therefore, the requirements for the professional qualities of Round Table leaders are high.

The presenter must be able to clearly formulate the problem, not let the thought spread out, highlight the main idea of ​​the previous speaker and, with a smooth logical transition, give the floor to the next one, follow the rules. Ideally, the Round Table leader should be impartial.

Do not forget that the moderator is also an actual participant in the Round Table. Therefore, he must not only direct the discussion, but also partially take part in it, focus the attention of those present on the information that is required, or, conversely, try to move the conversation in a new direction as quickly as possible. It should be remembered that the presenter must have the minimum required knowledge on the stated topic.

The moderator of the Round Table should not be:

    Confused and intimidated. Such qualities are typical for novice presenters and are associated with anxiety and lack of practice.

    Conniving. The facilitator must focus the discussion on the issues being discussed and concentrate it in time. Connivance on his part will contribute to the activation of alternative leaders who will try to shift attention to themselves. The discussion will begin to move away from the topic and break up into local discussions. Too active. The task of extracting information requires limiting the activity of the leader.

    Poor listeners. The facilitator's lack of listening skills will result in a lot of useful information being lost from what was said during the discussion. In this case, the more subtle comments received as a result of public discussion, which represent the basis for deepening the discussion, will remain unheeded. The reasons for this behavior may be the desire of the Round Table leader to strictly follow the discussion questionnaire, as a result of which he concentrates his attention on it. Or a concern about effectively listening to everyone in the group without leaving anyone out and giving everyone equal time.

    Comedian. Involves focusing on the entertainment aspect of the discussion more than on its content.

    Exhibitionist. Such a leader uses the group mainly for self-affirmation purposes and puts personal goals above research goals. Narcissism can be expressed in pretentious poses, unnatural gestures and intonations, moralizing and other forms of “working for the public.”

Rules for round table participants:

    the participant must be an expert on the topic being discussed;

    You should not agree to participate in the Round Table just for the sake of the very fact of participation: if you have nothing to say, then it is better to remain silent.

Stages of preparing round tables:

1.Choosing a topic. It is carried out with a focus on the areas of scientific work of the department and teachers. Departments propose topics for “Round Tables” with justification for the need for its discussion and development. In this case, the general rule should be taken into account: the more specifically the topic is formulated, the better. In addition, the topic should be of interest to the audience.

2. Selection of the presenter (moderator) and his preparation. The moderator must have such qualities as communication skills, artistry, and intelligence. Personal charm and a sense of tact are also important. The competence of the presenter plays a special role for the Round Table, therefore the moderator is obliged to independently carry out preparations within the framework of the given topic of the Round Table.

3. Selection of participants and identification of experts for the Round Table. The essence of any Round Table is to attempt a brainstorming session on a specific issue and find answers to some important questions. To do this, it is necessary to gather in one place people who have the necessary knowledge on the issue that requires coverage. These people are called experts or specialists. The initiator needs to identify potential experts who could give qualified answers to questions that arise as part of the discussion of the stated topic of the Round Table. If the scale of the event extends beyond the boundaries of the university, it is advisable at the preliminary stage of preparation of the Round Table to send out information letters and invitations to participate in this event to the intended participants. It should be remembered that the formation of a group of participants requires a differentiated approach: these should be not only competent, creatively thinking people, but also officials, representatives of the executive branch, on whom decision-making depends.

5.Preparing a questionnaire for Round Table participants – the purpose of the survey is to quickly and without a lot of time and money to get an objective idea of ​​the opinion of the Round Table participants on the issues discussed. The survey can be continuous (in which all participants of the Round Table are surveyed) or selective (in which part of the Round Table participants are surveyed). When compiling a questionnaire, it is necessary to determine the main task-problem, break it down into components, and assume on the basis of what information it will be possible to draw certain conclusions. Questions can be open, closed, semi-closed. Their wording should be short, clear in meaning, simple, precise, and unambiguous. You need to start with relatively simple questions, then offer more complex ones. It is advisable to group questions according to meaning. Before the questions, there is usually a message to the survey participants and instructions for filling out the questionnaire. At the end, the participants should be thanked.

Preparation of a preliminary resolution of the Round Table. The draft final document should include a statement part, which lists the problems that were discussed by the participants of the Round Table. The resolution may contain specific recommendations to libraries, methodological centers, government bodies at various levels, developed during discussion or decisions that can be implemented through certain activities, indicating the deadlines for their implementation and those responsible.

Methodology for conducting the Round Table.
The round table is opened by the presenter. He introduces the participants in the discussion, directs its course, follows the regulations, which are determined at the beginning of the discussion, summarizes the results, and summarizes constructive proposals. The discussion within the Round Table should be constructive and should not be reduced, on the one hand, only to reports on the work done, and on the other hand, only to critical speeches. Messages should be short, no more than 10-12 minutes. The draft final document is announced at the end of the discussion (discussion), additions, changes, and amendments are made to it.

Options for holding round tables:

    The first option is for participants to make presentations and then discuss them. At the same time, the presenter takes a relatively modest part in the meeting - distributes the time for speeches, gives the floor to the discussion participants.

    The second option is for the presenter to interview the Round Table participants or put forward points for discussion. In this case, he makes sure that all participants speak out and “keeps” the course of the discussion in line with the main problem for which the round table meeting was organized. This way of conducting the Round Table arouses greater interest among the audience. But it requires greater skill and deep knowledge of the “nuances” of the problem being discussed from the presenter.

    The third option is “methodological gatherings”. The organization of such a round table has its own characteristics. Issues that are essential for solving some key tasks of the educational process are proposed for discussion. The topic of discussion is not announced in advance. In this case, the skill of the Round Table presenter is to invite listeners in a relaxed atmosphere to a frank conversation on the issue under discussion and lead them to certain conclusions. The purpose of such “get-togethers” is to form the correct point of view on a certain pedagogical problem; creating a favorable psychological climate in this group of students.

    The fourth option is “methodological dialogue”. As part of this form of the Round Table, listeners are familiarized with the topic of discussion in advance and receive theoretical homework. A methodological dialogue is conducted on a specific problem between the presenter and listeners or between groups of listeners. The driving force of dialogue is the culture of communication and the activity of listeners. The general emotional atmosphere is of great importance, which allows one to evoke a feeling of internal unity. In conclusion, a conclusion is drawn on the topic and a decision is made on further joint actions.

Presentation of materials from the Round Table.

The most common options for publishing the results of round table discussions are as follows:

    a brief (reduced) summary of all the speeches of the Round Table participants. In this case, the most important thing is selected. The text is given on behalf of the participants in the form of direct speech. At the same time, the host of the Round Table must discuss with the speakers what exactly will be selected for publication from each speech. These rules dictate ethical requirements that must always be observed when working with authors of texts.

    general summary, extracted from various speeches made during the discussion. In essence, these are general conclusions on the material that was presented during the conversation or discussion of the Round Table.

    a complete summary of all participants' speeches.

Round tables- This is one of the most popular formats for conducting scientific events. In essence, the Round Table is a platform for discussion of a limited number of people (usually no more than 25 people; by default, experts, respected specialists in a particular field).

But you should not use the concept of “round table” as a synonym for the concepts of “discussion”, “polemic”, “dialogue”. It is not right. Each of them has its own content, and it only partially coincides with the content of the others. A “round table” is a form of organizing an exchange of opinions. This term does not indicate what the nature of the exchange of opinions will be. In contrast, the concept of “discussion” assumes that during, for example, a “round table” its participants not only make reports on some issue, but also exchange remarks, clarify each other’s positions, etc. Within the framework of the discussion, free exchange of opinions (open discussion of professional problems). “Policy” is a special type of discussion, during which some participants try to refute and “destroy” their opponents. “Dialogue,” in turn, is a type of speech characterized by situationality (depending on the situation of the conversation), contextuality (depending on previous statements), a low degree of organization, involuntariness and unplanned nature.

The peculiarity of round tables is their unpredictability, not real, since it is obvious that any organizer will want to control what is happening as much as possible, but theoretical. It is this point that makes Round Tables an attractive format for the audience. It should be noted that any discussion events (for example, debates) are at the same time a relatively risky decision and, at the same time, provide the organizer with a significant advantage - the opportunity to show their creativity.

The purpose of the round table is to reveal a wide range of opinions on the issue chosen for discussion from different points of view, discuss unclear and controversial issues related to this issue, and reach consensus.

The task of the round table is to mobilize and activate participants to solve specific current problems, therefore the round table has specific features:

1. Personalization of information (participants during a discussion express not a general, but a personal point of view. It may arise spontaneously and not be fully formulated. Such information must be treated especially thoughtfully, choosing grains of what is valuable and realistic, comparing them with the opinions of other participants (discussants)).

2. The polyphony of the “round table” (during the “round table” there can be business noise, polyphony, which corresponds to the atmosphere of emotional interest and intellectual creativity. But this is precisely what makes the work of the presenter (moderator) and participants difficult. Among this polyphony, the presenter needs to “catch on “The main thing is to give everyone the opportunity to speak and continue to support this background, since it is precisely this that is the feature of the “round table”).

Organizational features of round tables:

relative cheapness of holding compared to other “open” event formats;

lack of a rigid structure and regulations. That is, the organizer has practically no tools for direct influence on the program (you cannot force guests to say what the organizers want), but only indirect ones. For example, you can divide the entire discussion into several semantic blocks, thereby formalizing the structure of the event, but everything that happens within these blocks depends entirely on the host of the Round Table; significant restrictions in terms of the number of visitors; intimate event.

Moderation (conducting).

A key element of any Round Table is moderation. The term "moderation" comes from the Italian "moderare" and means "mitigation", "restraint", "moderation", "restraint". The moderator is the leader of the discussion. In the Vatican, the moderator was the person who pointed out the most significant points in the speeches of the pope. In its modern meaning, moderation is understood as a technique for organizing communication, thanks to which group work becomes more focused and structured.

It is not an exaggeration to say that almost everything depends on the host (moderator) of the Round Table. His task is not just to announce the list of participants, outline the main topics of the event and launch the Round Table, but to hold in his hands everything that happens from beginning to end. Therefore, the requirements for the professional qualities of Round Table leaders are high.

The presenter must be able to clearly formulate the problem, not let the thought spread out, highlight the main idea of ​​the previous speaker and, with a smooth logical transition, give the floor to the next one, follow the rules. Ideally, the Round Table leader should be impartial.

Do not forget that the moderator is also an actual participant in the Round Table. Therefore, he must not only direct the discussion, but also partially take part in it, focus the attention of those present on the information that is required, or, conversely, try to move the conversation in a new direction as quickly as possible. It should be remembered that the presenter must have the minimum required knowledge on the stated topic.

The moderator of the Round Table should not be:

Confused and intimidated. Such qualities are typical for novice presenters and are associated with anxiety and lack of practice.

Authoritarian. The desire to control and regulate the course of discussion to the maximum extent, to maintain strict discipline, is not conducive to discussion. Conniving. The facilitator must focus the discussion on the issues being discussed and concentrate it in time. Connivance on his part will contribute to the activation of alternative leaders who will try to shift attention to themselves. The discussion will begin to move away from the topic and break up into local discussions. Too active. The task of extracting information requires limiting the activity of the leader.

Poor listeners. The facilitator's lack of listening skills will result in a lot of useful information being lost from what was said during the discussion. In this case, the more subtle comments received as a result of public discussion, which represent the basis for deepening the discussion, will remain unheeded. The reasons for this behavior may be the desire of the Round Table leader to strictly follow the discussion questionnaire, as a result of which he concentrates his attention on it. Or a concern about effectively listening to everyone in the group without leaving anyone out and giving everyone equal time.

Comedian. Involves focusing on the entertainment aspect of the discussion more than on its content.

Exhibitionist. Such a leader uses the group mainly for self-affirmation purposes and puts personal goals above research goals. Narcissism can be expressed in pretentious poses, unnatural gestures and intonations, moralizing and other forms of “working for the public.”

Rules for round table participants:

the participant must be an expert on the topic being discussed;

You should not agree to participate in the Round Table just for the sake of the very fact of participation: if you have nothing to say, then it is better to remain silent.

Stages of preparing round tables:

Selecting a topic. It is carried out with a focus on the areas of scientific work of the department and teachers. Departments propose topics for “Round Tables” with justification for the need for its discussion and development. In this case, the general rule should be taken into account: the more specifically the topic is formulated, the better. In addition, the topic should be of interest to the audience.

Selection of presenter (moderator) and his preparation. The moderator must have such qualities as communication skills, artistry, and intelligence. Personal charm and a sense of tact are also important. The competence of the presenter plays a special role for the Round Table, therefore the moderator is obliged to independently carry out preparations within the framework of the given topic of the Round Table.

Selection of participants and identification of Round Table experts. The essence of any Round Table is to attempt a brainstorming session on a specific issue and find answers to some important questions. To do this, it is necessary to gather in one place people who have the necessary knowledge on the issue that requires coverage. These people are called experts or specialists. The initiator needs to identify potential experts who could give qualified answers to questions that arise as part of the discussion of the stated topic of the Round Table. If the scale of the event extends beyond the boundaries of the university, it is advisable at the preliminary stage of preparation of the Round Table to send out information letters and invitations to participate in this event to the intended participants. It should be remembered that the formation of a group of participants requires a differentiated approach: these should be not only competent, creatively thinking people, but also officials, representatives of the executive branch, on whom decision-making depends.

Preparing a questionnaire for the Round Table participants - the purpose of the questionnaire is to quickly and without a lot of time and money to get an objective idea of ​​the opinion of the Round Table participants on the issues discussed. The survey can be continuous (in which all participants of the Round Table are surveyed) or selective (in which part of the Round Table participants are surveyed). When compiling a questionnaire, it is necessary to determine the main task-problem, break it down into components, and assume on the basis of what information it will be possible to draw certain conclusions. Questions can be open, closed, semi-closed. Their wording should be short, clear in meaning, simple, precise, and unambiguous. You need to start with relatively simple questions, then offer more complex ones. It is advisable to group questions according to meaning. Before the questions, there is usually a message to the survey participants and instructions for filling out the questionnaire. At the end, the participants should be thanked.

Preparation of a preliminary resolution of the Round Table. The draft final document should include a statement part, which lists the problems that were discussed by the participants of the Round Table. The resolution may contain specific recommendations to libraries, methodological centers, government bodies at various levels, developed during discussion or decisions that can be implemented through certain activities, indicating the deadlines for their implementation and those responsible.

Round table structure

The round table includes:

1. willingness of participants to discuss the problem in order to determine possible ways to solve it.

2. presence of a certain position, theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

It is possible to organize such a round table when the discussion is deliberately based on several points of view on the same issue, the discussion of which leads to positions and solutions acceptable to all participants.

Thus, the integral components of the round table:

1. unresolved issue;

2. equal participation of representatives of all interested parties;

3. development of solutions acceptable to all participants on the issue under discussion.

When holding a round table, in order to achieve a positive result and create a business atmosphere, it is necessary:

· Provide an optimal number of participants (if the circle of specialists is large, not one leader is needed, but two.

· Ensure the operation of technical means for audio and video recording.

· Establish a schedule for speeches.

· Ensure appropriate design of the audience (it is desirable that the round table is truly round and communications are carried out “face to face”, which promotes group communication and maximum involvement in the discussion.)

Methodology for organizing and conducting a round table

There are usually three stages in organizing and holding a round table: preparatory, discussion and final (post-discussion).

I Preparatory stage includes:

· choice of problem (the problem must be acute, relevant, and have various solutions). The problem chosen for discussion may be interdisciplinary in nature; it should be of practical interest to the audience from the point of view of developing professional competencies;

· selection of a moderator (the moderator leads the round table, so he must have a high level of mastery of the art of creating a trusting atmosphere and maintaining a discussion, as well as the method of increasing information);

· selection of discussants. The composition of the round table participants can be expanded by involving representatives of executive authorities, professional communities and other organizational structures;

· preparing a scenario (holding a round table according to a pre-planned scenario allows you to avoid spontaneity and chaos in the work of the round table).

The scenario assumes:

Definition of the conceptual apparatus (thesaurus);

List of discussion questions (up to 15 formulations);

Development of “homemade” answers, sometimes contradictory and extraordinary, using a representative sample of information;

Closing speech by the moderator;

· equipping the premises with standard equipment (audio-video equipment), as well as multimedia tools in order to maintain a business and creative atmosphere;

· counseling participants (allows most participants to develop certain beliefs that they will defend in the future);

· preparation of necessary materials (on paper or electronic media): this can be statistical data, materials of a rapid survey, analysis of available information in order to provide participants and listeners of the “round table”

II Discussion stage comprises:

1. speech by the moderator, which defines the problems and conceptual apparatus (thesaurus), establishes regulations, rules for the general technology of the lesson in the form of a “round table” and informs about the general rules of communication.

2. General rules of communication include recommendations:

· - avoid common phrases;

· - focus on the goal (task);

· - know how to listen;

· - be active in the conversation;

· - be brief;

· - provide constructive criticism;

· - do not make offensive remarks towards your interlocutor.

· The presenter must act in a directive manner, strictly limiting the time of the round table participants.

3. conducting an “information attack”: participants speak out in a certain order, using convincing facts that illustrate the current state of the problem.

4. speeches by discussants and identification of existing opinions on the questions raised, focusing on original ideas. In order to maintain the intensity of the discussion, it is recommended to formulate additional questions:

5. answers to discussion questions;

6. the moderator sums up mini-summaries of the speeches and discussions: formulating the main conclusions about the causes and nature of disagreements on the problem under study, ways to overcome them, and a system of measures to solve this problem.

III The final (post-discussion) stage includes:

· summing up the final results by the presenter;

· establishing the overall results of the event.


Related information.


The chosen ones, making important decisions behind the scenes.

In the modern meaning, the expression round table used since the 20th century as the name of one of the ways to organize a discussion of a certain issue; This method is characterized by the following features:

  • the purpose of the discussion is to summarize ideas and opinions regarding the problem under discussion;
  • all round table participants act as proponents (must express an opinion on the issue being discussed, and not on the opinions of other participants); the lack of a set of several roles is not typical for all round tables;
  • all participants in the discussion have equal rights; no one has the right to dictate their will and decisions.

This discussion model, based on agreements, produces results as results, which, in turn, are new agreements. During round tables, original solutions and ideas are born quite rarely. Moreover, the round table often plays more of an information and propaganda role rather than serving as a tool for developing specific solutions.

see also

  • King Arthur's Round Table is a Neolithic object.

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See what a “Round Table” is in other dictionaries:

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