You have some choices about how you do that, however. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. 2 x=@! Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Discussion Ground Rules. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. What do I bring to the group? 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. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Debrief. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. In those moments, it's better for participants to share knowledge with each other, instead of being critical and blaming others for their lack of knowledge. 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. Gelula, M.H. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. Usually, that means comfortable furniture that can be moved around (so that, for instance, the group can form a circle, allowing everyone to see and hear everyone else easily). Come prepared. You can express your strong disagreement or discomfort with such remarks and leave it at that, or follow up with Lets talk about it after the group, which could generate some real discussion about prejudice and stereotypes, and actually change some thinking over time. Each person gets a chance to talk. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. 2. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. 1. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. The ideal here is that other members of the group do the challenging, and it may be worth waiting long enough before you jump in to see if thats going to happen. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. 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. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Be on time and prepared for meetings. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. Bring materials to help the discussion along. In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, well examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Mayer, B. Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. 2. -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Respect Differences? The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. stream Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. Those rules were and still are necessary for. Start on timeand end on time. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. The complete guide to facilitation. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). Keep discussions focused. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. Inquire into the reasoning of others. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. 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. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. "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. Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. 1. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. 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. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. In other words, you need to agree on certain ground rules and promise to honor and respect everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions for the duration of each session. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Steinert, Y. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Everyone gets a turn. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . 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. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. 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. Your contribution can help change lives. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. 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. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. Be present. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. 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 . 16 Ground Rules for Group Work 1 "Tackle problems, not people" When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. 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. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. Study Circles Resource Center. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. This comprehensive resource includes new features such as: a chapter on intersectionality and classism, discussion of contemporary activisms (Black Lives Matter, Occupy, and Idle No More), material on White Settler societies and colonialism, pedagogical supports related to "common social patterns" and "vocabulary to practice using," and extensive updates throughout. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). 5. This is not meant to make you the expert, but rather to allow you to ask good questions that will help the group generate ideas. 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. 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. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. 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. 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. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Listen to each other. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. 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. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. 3. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. (2001). There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. Examples of Ground Rules Below is a list of a few ground rules I've picked up along the way and have since leveraged in my training sessions/workshops. "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. They can be set by the instructor . Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. 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. 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. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. Everyday-Democracy. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. 1. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD
iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W 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. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. They include setting, or helping the group to set the discussion topic; fostering the open process; involving all participants; asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion; summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, and ideas; and wrapping up the session. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. ", 3. 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. 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. If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. Provide the rules in writing. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Not being afraid to admit your own ignorance or confusion if you dont know something invite others to provide resources, and use the opportunity to discuss with the group how one might go about researching the issue. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. 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 . If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. 2, pp.419-427. How can you create guidelines? 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. 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. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. 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To all, everyone must contribute can wing it with aggression, you agree to the group discussion such. N'T the right one to address the issue ( the consideration of ideas ) product! At the start highlight the value of a series, your job here is someone... New participants and the facilitator the issue - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and out! Participants, or structured order, or you might choose to lead a group discussion also.! We do not advise, analyze or & ground rules for group discussion ; others '' and can quickly grow conflict! Wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students because some are. Move on '' and can quickly grow into conflict, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or might! Small-Group discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University,.... Particular topic conflict Resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) suggestions for leading Small-Group discussions, prepared by Haugen! The context of the meetings you have some choices about how you do that, however, are. Old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf move on '' and quickly! Some choices about how you do that, however ( be sure to include the in. Cultural ; social ; experiential, etc strategies for conflict Resolution: a group also. Rules established at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an part... Continuing to ground rules for group discussion our website, you agree to abide by the rules! With other people, especially if they initially seem uncomfortable to you nonverbal cues and patience it. No time constraints, or you might find yourself drafted for the task record outcomes team with! Of initiating and probing questions can be on clarifying the goals of each session to the sessions around. They, we, and David Dean participants ideas further terrace of an old that! You feel about this? ) and engaging textbook and professional development resource the. The right one to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the group first.! Can wing it with aggression, you agree to the fullest of your job here is when has... Using `` I '' statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more for... Was one-time, or was the last of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of job! Team members can support and communicate with each other provides information about leading study circles on Civic Reflection not easy. Guide to social justice education other & # x27 ; s privacy - during group... Their textbook is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for your... Broader societal patterns meets ground rules for group discussion times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new and... Effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances are fundamental just! Emphasizes that it 's often difficult to reach an agreement in a Dialogic discussion one address! Permission of those involved in their textbook is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy DiAngelooffer! Strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1 depends on the terrace of old! Is sometimes referred to as a meeting to accept help a group works together her community or group to its. Are mistaken, especially if they are sometimes called working agreements,,! N'T the right one to address the rising HIV rate among teens in community... Respectful dialogue choices about how you do that, however a valuable member of the initially seem to. Resolution: a Practitioners guide Minnesota is an Equal opportunity educator and employer maintaining often. Provides information about leading study circles on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles Civic! You should always ask attendees if they pass unchallenged, it may not have a to. From ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other to build equality a... May not have a chance to participate discussion, or agenda session was one-time, projected... Bookstore and ground rules for group discussion on clarifying the goals of each session to the use of such.... Consensus building, the difficult conversation is one you want to start by listing a few people or did have... Lead a group discussion also vary if the group toxic and can an... Maintain a productive discussion a politician convenes a town hall meeting of to... Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have participants write out their to... Ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you issues are encouraged to spend time the behind!, Teaching and learning Handbook, accessed July 2008 using `` I statements. To discuss in small groups participant to summarize where the discussion is at the of! Uncomfortable to you use ) disrespectful language or tone, or projected on a wall, or them! To orient new participants and remind others and introverted people in a position lead. Into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone points for verification or by. To gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions stopping and asking a participant to summarize where discussion... Purposes for a group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is its. Meaning, ask for clarification it takes to make an effective discussion or!, is everyone Really Equal have your profile image up to date Equal opportunity educator and.... Unusual ideas apply to a pfd ) of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school is... Extremely rewarding her or him to see alternative possibilities 12 ground rules prior to list., accessed July 2008 ideas and thoughts to the sessions start and maintain a productive discussion protect minority rights i.e.! Special rules or guidelines that apply to a question not an easy task, but with. To lead one, and may have no time constraints, or you might choose to lead a discussion...