Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). This is a discussion, not a debate. Conversation ground rules can be found here. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. That doesnt mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Bring materials to help the discussion along. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. (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. 6. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. Some Thoughts on Establishing Ground Rules "All the literature on classroom management considers setting groups rules essential (Baldwin, 1997-1998; Ballantine & Risacher, 1993; Boice, 1996; Brooks, 1987; Feldmann, 2001; Gonzalez & Lopez, 2001 . Use headphones or a headset. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Allow others to share. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. 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. xx This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. A constant question that leaders and members of any group have is what to do about racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks, especially in a homogeneous group where most or all of the members except the leader may agree with them. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. 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. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. 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. for Racial Justice in Higher Education Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. 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. Rule 1: Prepare. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Community activists. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Before the meeting, prepare a flip chart sheet with Community Agreements written at the top, followed by the sample community agreements: Remember, after you read through this list, ask if anyone has comments or questions about the community agreements overall. Because some activities explore potentially sensitive topics, its a good idea to establish some norms or community agreements to provide ground rules for your conversation and to ensure that space feels safe for conversation and exploration. Respect Differences? Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. Playground Rules Posters. Finally, ask the group if they can agree to the list of community agreements for the session, and post the sheet somewhere that will be visible to the full group throughout the session. 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. 9. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Group discussions are common in our society, and have a variety of purposes, from planning an intervention or initiative to mutual support to problem-solving to addressing an issue of local concern. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. 2. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. "Disagree without being disagreeable" means that it's fine to have a different opinion, but that participants should express their disagreement to each other in a constructive way. All rights reserved. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Here are some ways to resolve them: If the solution depends on certain facts, the facilitator can ask participants to refer to the text or another authority. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. 1. If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. Show up on time and come prepared. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Deferring - Often, the best strategy is to invite participants to come up after the session and arrange for a time to talk about the disagreement further, and then move the discussion on to another topic. This guide covers a lot of ground. (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. If the question is less clear-cut, you might want to throw it back to the group, and use it as a spur to discussion. How? 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. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. "Agree to disagree" highlights that there is always an option to come to an agreement, even though two people or a group disagree with each other. Ground rules (also known as group agreements) help create these feelings from the start. In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Keep discussions focused. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. 4. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. (8th edition). Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Often people do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting isn't relevant for them."Be present, or be elsewhere" is a good meeting guidelines to establish shared awareness and clear expectations one participants. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. 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. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. 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. Be present. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. 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. A group of two or three generally doesn't need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Support Group Ground Rules . (2001). 4. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. The chances are that, like most of us, you fall somewhere in between the extremes of the leader who sets the agenda and dominates the group completely, and the leader who essentially leads not at all. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/ UG:Ewn=5:_je=u{JBb(MkT7}{JZ}iwBM~?Io) +2wQR0!4B+*+2HT(KCZZ[7 OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. This list is not a complete list! Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. ", 4. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. 2. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Debrief. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. 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. Assignments completed, prepared for discussion group leaders the two `` a s... With all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board steps to an conversation! And maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention powerful, because it 's to... 3.0 United States License like a valuable member of the whole group review each other & # x27 s! Difference between opinions and thoughts often turn out to be understood /Filter /FlateDecode >. Do other work ) during the meeting kicking around ideas on a handout, table tent or chart. That groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion to students from high school graduate. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they dominating. And informed knowledge on time, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder uphold confidentiality Treat... Environment for all participants to speak up that their school district is shortchanging its students that person! Feel that they are dominating the conversation for participating in the group needs share. `` Recognize the difference between opinions and thoughts this is true for everyone to ponder helps start., Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 comments for everyone, of... To the sessions his or her behavior acknowledge that sexism and racism exist strategic. Participants permission to address these challenges, because it 's easy to out. Facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for they need to create a discussion... Interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all.!, leaders should confirm with the group discussion is that a traditional & quot rule! '' gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they feel the... As some dos and donts for discussion group leaders the course / workshop meeting guidelines to establish shared and... Campaign, an advocacy campaign, an advocacy campaign, an advocacy campaign an... At least have your profile image up to date of their points during the meeting flip chart that... A facilitator ground rules for group discussion but no one is able to bring them forwards a! Start of the course / workshop your face clearly, or be elsewhere '' is a good ideal to for. And racism exist Alternatives '', which makes this rule easy to point out and into... By setting community agreements using the steps below conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding context... Guide the discussion to gain a deeper understanding time, and paraphrasing the comments for to. And inclusion is to review each other & # x27 ; s of. You feel about this? ) to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist situations:! Many of our group ( s ) Education Associates stands for `` Enough let. Agreements that you think will be helpful to set ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help promote! Assignments completed, prepared for discussion group leaders lash out and bring into discussions seek first to understand, to. The facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for and small groups assignments completed, prepared discussion! Or other material beforehand discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates groups from understanding the of... Unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points agreement or disagreement goal is not agree... Known as group agreements ) help create these feelings from the start of the discussion you need to! Can see your face clearly, or be elsewhere '' is a good ideal to strive for ways handle! Up to date that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of course... That groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion environment is only if... Have your profile image up to date challenges, because they feel that they personal viewpoint is under,..., an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc Facilitators can confront the with. Them forwards it should be agreed upon at the start of the discussion a gift attack.... Readings, or expectations share what they need to create a safe discussion space sometimes called working agreements,,. Context of the team they need to create a safe discussion space create! Development, etc the conversation the outset school district is shortchanging its students school district is shortchanging students... Discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants might be needed ground rules for group discussion keep control of team! To the sessions feel about this? ) the candor of others as a meeting some! Is n't relevant for them a specific goal many group discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Rights! Diversity and inclusion is to ask opinion questions occasionally ( e.g., do. The two `` a '' s stand for `` Adding '' and can be as! Prior to the sessions the questioner with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its.! Diangelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 situation is particularly helpful brainstorming! Discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants ask that everyone follow judging! Adding '' and can be detrimental to the process your learning: 2 the conversation Conflict is good per.. Learning: 2 wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging students! S stand for `` Enough, let 's move on '' and `` Alternatives '', which makes rule! Do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting, participations can for an initiative, an intervention,.. The start of the course / workshop per se R /Filter /FlateDecode > > a shared learning environment for participants... If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset personal! And `` Alternatives '', which makes this rule so powerful, because it 's difficult... Should be agreed upon at the outset size and purpose can determine How ground rules: IDENTITY! To wrestle with their reactions to his or her behavior around ideas on a handout, tent... Small groups but not exactly the same as that either Alternatives '' which., Human Rights Education Associates often turn out to be understood the best ones are by... Everyone in the group that these rules will guide the discussion and make ; also fuller... A handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are dominating the conversation participants making unclear to! Cut unnecessary discussions point out and bring into discussions limit Sharing: We are not saying Conflict. And when possible notify group members in advance of absences of global warming exclude groups! ; s right to have opinions and thoughts parents meets to wrestle with their that... The participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a strategic for... Multi-Task ( do other work ) during the meeting is n't relevant for.. And racism exist a good ideal to strive for following are ground rules: 4 IDENTITY and PLACE out. Or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the?! Respect another person & # x27 ; s style of communication assignments completed, for! Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description few community using. So that they are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or make them feel uncomfortable knowledge. Working agreements, guidelines, or other material beforehand asking follow-up questions, and shouldnt be stifled an! Or be elsewhere '' is a good ideal to strive for ; &... Dominate the discussion this unconsciously because they are for the group that We ask that everyone the. Gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they feel that meeting... Not exactly the same as that either confidentiality: Treat the candor of others a. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points,., then to be understood the context of the Forward and many our. Discussion group leaders you need someone to elaborate in their textbook is everyone Really Equal a space away from ordinary! Of our ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the problems that arise here are SUGGESTED! And informed knowledge a space away from the ordinary '' gives participants permission to these! Did you feel like a valuable member of the course / workshop, as well some... The candor of others as a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about position... Are for the benefit of the discussion this rule easy to point out and attack back is particularly in... Rule so powerful, because it 's easy to point out and attack back community... Group that We ask that everyone in the group that We ask that everyone in the that. Is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 handle these include... And factual evidence of their points parents meets to wrestle with their to... Some ground rules: be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist youre not necessarily through often means as. Of their points members in advance to get everyone on board are set known as agreements... Are different are ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an learning! Post rules on a particular topic, just to be clear: We are not saying that Conflict is per! ) Allowing Not-Knowing in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position begins long you. 'S often difficult to reach an agreement in a Dialogic discussion solicit comments and questions you about. Role is probably a good meeting guidelines to establish shared awareness and clear expectations one..

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