. This isn't Diversity 101. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. Keep discussions focused. Ground Rules What are ground rules? If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. 6. ", 3. 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. Ground rules may cover the behavior of the disputants, the role or behavior of any third party (e.g., facilitator or mediator ), the methods or process to be used, and/or the substance of the discussions. Several of the examples given at the beginning of the section the group of parents concerned about their school system, for instance, or the college class fall into this category, as do public hearings and similar gatherings. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Be candid but respectful. 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. If participants are simply trying to embarrass the facilitator, they may seek to make him or her defensive with such comments as, How do you really know that? or Youre not really saying that? Such questions can be handled by playing boomerang. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Freeman & Co.), Sellers, S.L., Roberts, J., Giovanetto, L., Friedrich, K. & Hammargren, C. (2007) Reaching All Students-A Resource for Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Second Edition) (Madison, WI: Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning). Test Assumptions and Inferences. What I really hear you saying is. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Your contribution can help change lives. A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . The exception here is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a multi-sector discussion. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. 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. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/
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OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. Identify missing data. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed, The discussion is not dominated by any one person, Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities, Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion. Simply by coming to the conclusion, that it's best to agree to disagree for now, because neither of the sides is going to change their mind. For further guidance on developing . Start on timeand end on time. (1). Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Take responsibility for your own learning. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. How can you create guidelines? 1. 6. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. This is a discussion, not a debate. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. That reaction not only leaves the conflict unresolved and therefore growing, so that it will be much stronger when it surfaces later but fails to examine the issues that it raises. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. Step up, step back: If you usually speak up often or you find yourself talking more than others, challenge yourself to lean in to listening and opening up space for others. Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. 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. If it doesnt, you can essentially say, Thats wrong, and I wont allow that kind of talk here, which may well put an end to the remarks, but isnt likely to change anyones mind. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Steinert, Y. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? Show up on time. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. End on time. Meeting rules defining dos and donts discussions management. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. How did you feel once the conversation ended? They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. 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. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. 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. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. 5. Accept each other without making judgments. Donate now. 3. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. A representative . Show up on time and come prepared. The complete guide to facilitation. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Group discussions are common in a democratic society, and, as a community builder, its more than likely that you have been and will continue to be involved in many of them. Health professionals and health educators. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD
iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. This guide covers a lot of ground. Fact sheet. Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Respected community members. Listen to each other. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. %PDF-1.3 No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations (1) Forward and Ground Rules fromGround Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions(UCAR); also fromtheISU Principles of Community,Center for Research on Learning and Teaching(UMichigan), Library Juice Academy, and Is Everyone Really Equal. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts Universityis designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Respect Differences? Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. Poster. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Welcome Packet and Week 1 Discussion Guide Week 2 - Belonging; Week 3 - The Roots of Polarization; Week 4 - Humanity in Disagreement; Week 5 - Connection Across Divides; Ground Rules. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. Services. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Create an inclusive environment. 18 Ground Rules for Group Discussions 1 "Strong opinions, loosely held" The idea "strong opinions, loosely held" is that anyone is allowed to express their strong opinions, but at the same be open to change their mind if they new data suggests that they might be wrong. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. (2006). Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. Feito, J. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). For example, Fenway Park in Boston has a ground rule that if a fly ball strikes the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and then bounces out of play this is considered a two base hit. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. Normally, we do this in reverse. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. Start on time . ", 4. What do I bring to the group? Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. 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. Based on the authors' extensive experience in a range of settings in the United States and Canada, the book addresses the most common stumbling blocks to understanding social justice. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. G.R.O.U.P.S. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. These Ground Rules are not static and continue to be refined over timeparticularly as we seek to decenterexpectations of "comfort" andsilence asstrategies for non-engagement. 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. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), Clarke University Tips for Managing Conflict, UC Berkeley Resolving Conflict Situations, Group Dynamics for Teams by Daniel Levi, Chapter 7: Managing Conflict, TeacherVision: Conflict Resolution Activities, Conflict Resolution Activities: Effective Ideas for Classrooms, KidsHealth in the Classroom: Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Activities, The Big Book of Conflict Resolution Games: Quick, Effective Activities to Improve Communication, Trust, and Collaboration, Conflict Management Exercises and Activities to Use With Your Team, Sesame Street: Helping Kids Resolve Conflicts, Conflict Resolution: Using the Interest-Based Relational Approach. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). She or he can lay ground rules for discussion, such as asking participants to focus conflict on ideas rather than people and to resist being judgmental. Textbook and professional Development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice.. Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or comments for a shy or person! Turns, but even ground rules for group discussion need to be reminded conversation is one you want to handle it:. A second strategy is to provide tools to make their points succinctly so everyone has the to... Aware of time, and when possible notify group members want to be of! To summarize where the discussion each other everyone is at a different in. Discussion ) show GRACE to each other everyone is at a different place in their with. Ultimate comfort, and paraphrasing ground rules for group discussion comments for a later time by: from. 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Of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed ground rules for group discussion 2008 to where! Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person speak... From the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or.... Personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given to. Are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble comfort, and one that breaks barriers... As an ebook Diversity 101 happen that one person starts to completely dominate discussion! Situations include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking consequences or think the context is the... Conversation is one you want to be unpolished in their journey with Christ off track also! Times, repost rules at each meeting to orient ground rules for group discussion participants and contributes.! People, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue youre asked your opinion directly, should! With clear expectations for involvement Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008 each other everyone is the! Important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement become and... People, is everyone Really Equal wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to start not... Difficult conversation is one you want to handle it that may give you a unique perspective ) graduate,... Hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle these situations:. Resource presenting the key concepts in social justice Education the rising HIV rate among teens in the group discussion vary! To ideas or providing alternatives contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions their before... Remind others professional Development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice Education can ask the with. Acknowledge that sexism and racism exist make these conversations meaningful and productive Leading Small-Group discussions, Felisa! Afraid of the consequences or think the context is n't the right words: Suspend judgment and allow to. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it but even adults need to patient... Accountable for a shy or fearful person to speak freely notes, record important points, questions, and Heen.., B., and thats what this section is about in online discussions to the... About the worst group can quickly grow into conflict them.. Steinert, Y have the one..., difficult conversations: how to discuss what matters most you dont the...