Typically, the professor is interested in developing intellectual skills and increasing the learner's interest in the topic. Students select a topic and develop the discussion guide that is used in the exercise. Students volunteer to play one of the roles. Before selecting a topic, students should determine the criteria that is used in choosing an appropriate product or service. Topics that have been used are Pizza Hut pizza and TCBY yogurt.
Students work in buzz groups or brainstorm individually to develop alternative topics.
The topics are evaluated before a final decision is reached. Once the topic is decided, the class develops a discussion guide. Before the focus group is conducted, students must be selected to role-play each role. Students will volunteer for each role based on their personal interests. The instructor will discuss the basic characteristics of each role before asking for volunteers.