Final answer:
The primary goal is to encourage collaborative learning and ensure all group members contribute to discussions, facilitating consensus and expanding perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal of the refining discussion techniques project focusing on group discussions is encouraging collaborative learning and ensuring that each member is heard, leading to consensus building and broadening perspectives. In the context of the project, the approach to refine discussion techniques is grounded in allowing everyone to contribute ideas, ask questions, and provide constructive feedback. Here, hierarchical structures or limiting participation would be counterproductive, as they could lead to the phenomena of groupthink or group polarization, which the techniques aim to prevent. Instead, the focus is on fostering open communication and critical thinking to achieve consensus and to strengthen interpersonal relationships. This also enhances each individual's speaking skills, as members learn to articulate their thoughts and respond to others' inputs constructively. Moreover, considering diverse opinions and historical examples, like the precolonial Igbo villages, helps illustrate the value of community discussions encompassing all members without coercion. Overall, this practice prepares students for collaborative group activities that extend beyond schoolwork into broader social and community engagements.