What is a common disadvantage of group discussions?

The common disadvantage of group discussions being difficult to manage time is significant because they often involve multiple participants who each have varying levels of communication skills and willingness to engage. When students are given the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas, discussions can become lengthy and may lack focus if not properly guided. As a result, the instructor may struggle to steer the conversation towards the objective of the discussion, which can lead to essential topics being overlooked or rushed through in an attempt to keep on schedule.

This time management challenge is particularly pronounced in settings where a structured agenda or specific learning outcomes need to be met, making it crucial for instructors to find a balance between allowing for open dialogue and adhering to time constraints. Although effective discussions can enhance learning, the difficulty in keeping the conversation within the set time limits can hinder the overall effectiveness of the educational experience.