Whole group discussions are more interactive than lectures from the instructor. Students are prompted to contribute to the discussion, which requires them to pay closer attention to what the instructor and their classmates say. Lectures can be monotonous, making it easy for students to daydream or lose focus. However, when students are actively involved in learning, they tend to engage the material. They are interested in their peers' contributions and may be more motivated to contribute their own thoughts and ideas.
Whole group discussions may contribute to tensions between students or groups of students, especially if divisive issues are discussed. On the one hand, it is important for students to learn to respect others' perspectives and points of view. But students may resent other students whose comments offend them or contradict personal points of view. Group discussions, if not effectively moderated by an instructor, may cause conflicts between students that persist after discussions end.
Whole group discussions acclimate students to public speaking. The setting for whole group discussions is generally relaxed and informal, and students feel comfortable participating. Sharing their ideas in front of a large group, even in a casual setting, prepares students to address large audiences. They learn to gather their thoughts and articulate ideas to a group.
Whole group discussions tend to veer off track from the focus of the discussion. It is easy for students to get side-tracked with tangential topics that are not germane to the lesson. Hence, whole group discussions sometimes waste valuable class time on material that is neither necessary nor important. Compared to teacher lectures, which are planned, organized and focused, group discussions are not always productive.
Whole group discussions build upon the comments and contributions of discussion members. Students have to think critically to evaluate comments and respond to others' arguments. Students develop analytic thinking skills by assessing their peers' arguments. They also learn to face criticism of their own ideas, as other students may challenge their ideas. It is important for students to accept criticism and to learn to use criticism for growth and improvement.