Training 08: Panel Discussion – learning from Subject Matter Experts

What is Panel Discussion?
1) Panel of subject matter experts sharing their knowledge or opinion on specific topics or answering specific questions.
2) Moderator will be coordinating the flow of topics/questions, answers from panel members, and questions from the audience.
3) Learners learn by listening to the what is said by the panel of subject matter experts.


Example of Panel Discussion
Topic: Membership Growth Strategies.
Panel: GMT (Global Membership Team) Coordinator, Membership Chairperson, Extension Chairperson, Retention Chairperson, Leadership Development Chairperson.
Moderator: the Trainer.Audience: Learners (Club Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Membership Directors).


Benefits of Panel Discussion

The Learners or Audience could learn from the knowledge, info, ideas and opinions given by each of the Panel members (who are normally Subject Matter Experts).
At second half of the Panel Discussion, it would be open to questions from Learners/Audience. Learners have the chance to put forth questions which would be answered by the Panel members.
Moderator (Trainer) could control the timing and duration of the panel discussion.Moderator (Trainer) could redirect specific questions to specific Panel members.
Moderator (Trainer) could rephrase and summaries the knowledge/info from the Panel.
It is a moderated dialog between Subject Matter Experts and the Learners. There is TWO-WAY communication involved.


Disadvantages of Panel Discussion

Certain Panel member may be dominating and talk much more than other Panel members, thus depriving other Panel members from speaking.
Time is often a constraint as there are several Subject Matter Experts who want to speak and there may be too many questions from enthusiastic Learners.
Some Learners may become frustrated that their questions are not answered due to time constraint.
Some Panel members may feel that he has been given sufficient time to speak his mind or answer questions.


In the next blog, I will be sharing about Brainstorming session during Training.

***Michael***