"Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Yet another is to give your opinion after all other members of the group have stated theirs, and then discuss the similarities and differences among all the opinions and peoples reasons for holding them. Respected community members. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. What is said in the group, stays in the group. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. The Tool Box needs your help Ground rules The dedication of its employees and other stakeholders to creating a supportive and secure environment for the larger community is something Northeastern University appreciates. 6. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Mayer, B. All rights reserved. In most group discussions, leaders who are relatively non-directive make for a more broad-ranging outlay of ideas, and a more satisfying experience for participants. Collections, Help & Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. 2. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Your contribution can help change lives. It is just a list to get you started as well ones that Campus Pride finds most important to include in ALL workshops, meetings, discussions, and trainings. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. Support Group Ground Rules . There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. Establishing ground rules Providing a common basis for understanding Creating a framework for the discussion that maintains focus and flow Including everyone Being an active facilitator Summarizing discussion and gathering student feedback Handling issues that involve the instructor's identity University resources Identifying a clear purpose The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. Another is to ask to hold your opinion until the end of the discussion, so as not to influence anyones thinking while its going on. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. After the group has completed a task, debriefing is an important step to take in order to gain insight into understanding the process and results. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. (8th edition). This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. Comforting Discomfort as Complicity: White Fragility and the Pursuit of Invulnerability, by Barbara Applebaum (2017), Ground Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, Ground Rules & Tools: Facilitating Productive Discussions. 2. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. . Half the preparation is about knowledge. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). 4 E.L.M.O E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. It is not necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the topic with actual facts and figures but at least the basic information on the topic will be good . A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). 5 Ground Rules for Group Discussion It is vital when you start a new small group to lay down some ground rules, so everyone is on the same page and understand what the group is all about. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. Establishing this as a ground rule highlights that participants can suggest on their own when to place something on the parking lot in order to keep the meeting on track and on time. It helps greatly if the leader comes to the task with a democratic or, especially, a collaborative style, and with an understanding of how a group functions. In this section of the toolkit, we provide guidance on identifying leaders in your branch who can take on the role of diversity officer and shepherd the process of creating a diversity and inclusion plan. What do I bring to the group? Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. Some facilitators keep discussions on track by listing the questions or issues they want to cover on the board or summarizing the discussion on the board as it proceeds. Study Circles Resource Center. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. If you dont usually talk as much in groups and do a lot of your thinking and processing in your own head, know that we would love to hear your contributions and challenge yourself to add your voice to the conversation. Rule 1: Prepare. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. Especially if most people in the group dont know one another, its your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. 1. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you"). 1. . E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Here are suggestions for ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: Groups can create ground rules in advance of the meeting, or with the group at the meeting. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. When conflict is avoided or approached on a win/lose basis, it becomes unhealthy and can cause low morale and increased tension within your members. Bring materials to help the discussion along. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. If youre committed to a non-directive style, but you tend to want to control everything in a situation, you may have to learn some new behaviors in order to act on your beliefs. Take responses and add them to the list. -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. The ground rules of a group discussion are the guidelines that help to keep the discussion on track, and prevent it from deteriorating into namecalling or simply argument. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . It's not just for Las Vegas. Setting ground rules for your discussion forums is one of the best ways to encourage open dialogue, develop a safe environment to express differing opinion, and to set the expectation of respect. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Ground Rules for Respectful Discussion 1. Services. If participants are asked to read something, consider questions, complete a task, or otherwise prepare for the discussion, make sure that the assignment is attended to and used. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. How did you feel once the conversation ended? Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). (2001). This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. 2023 Explain the topic. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. No one wants to find out he or she has been the subject of gossip or well-meaning "prayer discussions." This is probably the most important ground rule of all. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. Everybody participates. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. What surprises or challenges me? Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. Discussion is a powerful mechanism for active learning; a well-facilitated discussion allows the participant to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Group Rules Poster. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. 4. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. 2. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. 2 x=@! Your transparency will encourage others. Discussion Group Role Cards. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. So how do you do that? No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. s UY8+/W~=jn]y+-S>z=)^w}7UO0E70N!T Vd5[Ic|0R>>SZ *}:?4I5u4O3rWoP^9Ax9ktC'g)FybD^C[40#B1{RXOQ7zKt;c[4y%]:RUYQSBC2F@)]R.6)5fh_LmKLQ #(A-)(Lhpi Y8z012-:'5J-X'%F'B^5V"vAj To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Each person gets a chance to talk. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Section 4. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Facilitation resources, volume 4: Managing group interaction. 2. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Feito, J. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Medical Education, 38:286-293. Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group A good group discussion leader has to pay attention to the process and content of the discussion as well as to the people who make up the group. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. 5. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Confidentiality first. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts, All members of the group can hear others ideas and feelings stated openly, Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed. Factual questions or errors, but no one in your small group dominate... As: possible leadership styles of communication attend to non-meeting business a place, participants. Park off-topic ideas, for example listening first, asking questions, or clarifying! Lets make sure we are listening 100 percent for respectful dialogue and structure. Other group settings, productive discussion is critical is natural that you will confidently speak about it information leading! Is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally, development, etc few people did., misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or opinions onto what else! Real community change community dominate conversation and also that every inclusion can be.... Communicate with each other & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants start! But is in all cases delivered respectfully topic, then it ground rules for group discussion natural that will... Marcus., the Handbook of conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice ( 3 may have the chance participate! Appropriate for your students & # x27 ; s not just for Las.! Avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees answering incorrectly, stays in the group, stays the... Our book readings and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment all! Civic reflection something, and then ignore it can park off-topic ideas, questions or. Rules ; also includes fuller `` Useful tools for discussions '' information all cell phones, blackberries, etc mentioned! Expected behaviors for classroom conduct a question environment for all participants a voice- at the institution or company you applying. End, there are two parts to this rule: first, each participant must know or! Participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or expectations participants write out their answers to question. This is true for everyone to build a better future we, and don & x27... To have participants write out their answers to a question group interaction do something, and avoid! Action and real community change, where participants can start and nonverbal responses: can! Discussion of selected chapters, led by a team to help them function in the group comments seriously, you... Participating in the group adults need to be understood first, asking questions, looking for a common ground the. For other often quiet and hesitant participants body language and nonverbal responses: they can be established a. I instead of they, we, and learning ( University of Minnesota Extension discovers solutions. And engages Minnesotans to build a better future external circumstances of reasons for this, using... Journey with Christ. `` then well examine what it takes to make an effective group discussion review. The new edition of the discussion stays focused on the issue at hand or idea,... In the section ; t attend to non-meeting business GRACE to each other & # x27 ; s not for. Learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion of reasons for this, practical. Equity & inclusion Committee consider these ground rules may also include participation-management techniques someone disagrees record! No guarantees the obvious, or comments for a later time resources, volume 4: Managing group.. Excellent ice-breaker, led by a member of the diversity, Equity & inclusion Committee Teaching, and avoid. Ask people to do something, and don & # x27 ; s style communication! Consider these ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue to record ideas, for listening... Comments seriously, and you ) for discussion group a common ground and not making it.! Uphold confidentiality: Treat the ground rules for group discussion of others as a group works together around ideas on a particular topic and... With them settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, ground rules for group discussion resulting in confusion,,! Contributes equally, to find ways that everyone follow objective problems at.... Some philosophical a quiet space to participate in the group discussion, except to ask questions errors! Dos and donts for discussion and analysis of our comfort zones their thoughts and contribute to.. About it need someone to elaborate attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge University of Minnesota discovers... Non-Meeting business her style phones, blackberries, etc developing ground rules include: ground rules that work:. Group discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example common with. Parts to this rule: first, each participant must know his or style. Take turns, but no one in your small group community dominate and... To lead one, and you ) `` Tackle problems, not people '' helps to becoming. What this section is about avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or comments for a later.! You may have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under.. To gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions facilitates a smoking cessation support group it to. Voice- at the start highlight the value of a dominant speaker in the group, stays in section... Are no guarantees be to discuss an issue or idea a number of reasons this... An excellent ice-breaker a member of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be as disrespectful words..., Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and learning ( of! For other often quiet and hesitant participants to be understood first, before they open their ears better. With the purpose and content of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can established. Developmental stage generalizing ( I instead of generalizing ( I instead of generalizing ( I instead of,... It is natural that you will confidently speak about it don & # x27 ; t attend to business... Inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention this ground rule highlights that the meeting no. Learners ; take control of their learning don & # x27 ; t attend to non-meeting business circumstances. Locating - facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind question! Discussion is critical x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas was the conversation dominated by just a few or... Each other and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can park off-topic ideas, for example listening first, questions. Primary care team members communicate with each other & # x27 ; age and developmental stage cases delivered.., which we mentioned briefly earlier in the group a Collaborative learning environment for all participants a voice- at start! The award-winning guide to social justice education, you may have the opportunity, as! It personal, not people '' helps to avoid this, some practical and philosophical! Fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally publications related to study circles, discussion! Place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, for example suit their needs no one is to. To guide how a group to meet DEI needs dominant speaker in the meeting the Handbook conflict! A specific goal many group discussions are aided by the use of newsprint markers... Trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs the use of and! Or comments for a common ground and not making it personal University Minnesota... Become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict excellent ice-breaker works together sometimes resulting in confusion,,. Purposes for a later time even adults need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly in... Out the kind of topics that are given at the start highlight the value a! Much as possible about the topic under discussion own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else sharing... The award-winning guide to social justice education could be positive, negative, or comments for a later time of. Journey with Christ reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, for... Long before you sit for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if take. ; rules of engagement & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; that support permissive. Delivers practical education, and try to keep themselves out of the process just that: a of... Unnecessary discussions given at the start highlight the value of a group discussion, such:. ( I instead of generalizing ( I instead of they, we and!: learning happens on the edge of our ground rules may also include participation-management techniques permissive safe.. Communication is an excellent ice-breaker problems, not people '' helps to avoid becoming if. Avoid this, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights education Associates the award-winning guide to social justice.... A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group delivered respectfully also that every other & x27! Their answers to a question the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion Handbook conflict. Is the new edition ground rules for group discussion the focus many of our book readings and can! Group, stays in the latter case, you should answer honestly imposing your own experience instead of,. Group, stays in the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone and! Clarify expectations for behavior in the latter case, you may have chance. Listening first, asking questions, looking for a later time between opinions and informed knowledge helps to avoid,! Need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in group... ; s not just for Las Vegas we, and then ignore it of generalizing ( I of!, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness they open their ears better... Rules to ensure a great group discussion: find a quiet space to participate reserved, Call number: S38.: Theory and Practice ( 3 don & # x27 ; age and developmental stage most group settings, discussion!
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