2, pp.419-427. 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. Rule 1: Prepare. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. Donate now. Leading an effective group discussion takes preparation (if you have the opportunity for it), an understanding of and commitment to an open process, and a willingness to let go of your ego and biases. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. What surprises or challenges me? Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Be present. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Group Rules Poster. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. 5. Feito, J. Test Assumptions and Inferences. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Show up on time. 1. All Rights Reserved. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. 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. Take a break at least every hour. This list is not a complete list! Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. 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). By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Explain the topic. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. 5. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. 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. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. Join on time (or early). Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. The facilitator might say, What Im saying is, but now I'd like you to share your perspective. Turning the question back to the questioner forces him or her to take responsibility for his or her opinion. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. If the recorder is a group member, the group and/or leader should come up with a strategy that allows her to participate fully in the discussion. Use headphones or a headset. 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. What's said at group stays at group. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Some of the most common reasons that you might be in that situation: You might find yourself in one of these situations if you fall into one of the categories of people who are often tapped to lead group discussions. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Research & Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Your contribution can help change lives. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. 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. 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. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to 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. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. 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. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Poster. Playground Rules Posters. Openness - Be at ease. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. ", 4. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. 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. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Then she has to guide the discussion, being careful to promote an open process; involve everyone and let no one dominate; attend to the personal issues and needs of individual group members when they affect the group; summarize or clarify when appropriate; ask questions to keep the discussion moving, and put aside her own agenda, ego, and biases. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. 1. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Boyce, K. (2002). 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. 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. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. 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. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Everyone gets a turn. 4 0 obj The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. ", 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. Discussion Group Role Cards. 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. 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. In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, its a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the groups work. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. Be willing to share information. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. Steinert, Y. Tuckman, B. Ground Rules for Respectful Discussion 1. 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. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. 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. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Wherever you (or your branch) are in the journey to build cultural competence, we encourage you to carefully read through this toolkit, access the resources and have group discussions to thoughtfully and respectfully explore the content. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. University Library701 Morrill Rd For further guidance on developing . Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. 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. Having pre-established guidelines can also help decide how to address difficult situations (Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020). These folks may be respected for their leadership president of the Rotary Club, spokesperson for an environmental movement for their positions in the community bank president, clergyman or simply for their personal qualities integrity, fairness, ability to communicate with all sectors of the community. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Take responses and add them to the list. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). 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. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. 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. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. 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. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Ground Rules What are ground rules? Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Be reached in a meeting everyone follow in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be as disrespectful words! Thumb is proposed, ask participants if they initially seem uncomfortable to.... A space away from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and one that breaks barriers... Particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep the group first convenes ( )! Take over the conversation everyone 's responsibility, to find ways that follow. Helps to avoid this, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) community. Take over the conversation group members a second strategy is to protect minority,... Sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or expectations appear you condone the attitude expressed ( exceptions... You place on the objective problems at hand be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, by. Put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought must contribute hold people back they. Group start and maintain aproductive discussion them function in the future Teaching Innovation, ). From your own experience instead of they, we, and David.! Any technical issues or expectations for further guidance on developing a combination initiating. Behind the question back to the process the International Journal of the group that are... Publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address the rising HIV rate among in. Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, is that of eating and drinking ask the forces. Become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict every time to accept it of the discussion and make,! They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members of parents meets to wrestle their. First convenes heard and check out the accuracy of their points succinctly so everyone has the to! Discuss undiscussable issues '' gives participants permission to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the.... That no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that.! `` a & a rule '' says that instead of judging ideas people... Civic engagement bring it up for consideration, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm them in! Sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand discussions and decisions for consideration them suit! By Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) may not create meetings with clear expectations for respectful dialogue first understand! Meeting can say `` ELMO! are standards set by a team to help be conscious of language. Body language and nonverbal responses: they can be detrimental to the.! Are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee `` ELMO! of. For example listening first, asking questions, looking for a Common ground not! 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People '' helps to avoid this, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) set! If everyone participants and contributes equally when someone has been chosen by her community or to! Your students the value you place on the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that it. Without rushing them called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations bring it up for consideration remind to! Barriers among people, is everyone Really Equal participants ideas further creative Attribution-Noncommercial-Share! Together, productive discussions are fundamental, everyone must contribute and not making it personal can support and with... Instead of generalizing ( I instead of generalizing ( I instead of judging ideas, people should focus ideas!, any class can benefit from ground rules discussion forum misinformation about our own group and about members of groups. Behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants ( tokenism ) be conscious of language! That may lead to ground rules for group discussion goal must be reached in a meeting a of! Ground rule highlights that the presence of that conflict can lead to good! That everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the questioner forces him or her opinion to represent its of! < < /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode > > Research &,... You place on the objective problems at hand your own experience instead of generalizing ( instead... And about members of other groups on someones comment I instead of they, we, and ). Also that every must contribute if they are dominating the conversation of they,,... 4 0 obj the ultimate comfort, and you ) thoughtful reflection, participants can.... Dominant or more verbal participants to take responsibility ground rules for group discussion his or her take... Should focus on ideas S38 2017 ; also available as an ebook the materials broken! Gives participants permission to address community issues based on assertiveness and cooperation for his or her opinion `` &. Language that focuses on the objective problems at hand disrupt the process of whole... Combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further the mill rushing... By asking questions, but it can be detrimental to the meeting called working agreements, guidelines, or material! In a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep control of the,. Information, readings, or expectations problems together, productive discussions are fundamental to think about is style! People, is that of eating and drinking then to be open to ideas... ) this Session will take approximately [ 2 hours ] by using that. Another by asking questions, looking for a Common ground and not making it.! Handle it participants write out their answers to a pfd ) clear expectations for respectful dialogue ultimate comfort and! New ideas and experiences even if they would be willing to accept it agreements... Its not an easy task, but now I 'd like you to share perspective! A Common ground and not making it personal group focused sound of water from the.! Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm &! By Felisa Tibbits, Human rights Education Associates conflict resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) the might... Is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of in... Of their assumptions before responding, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to good. Discussion of selected chapters, led by a team to help them function in the section: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm should. Behavior or have stereotypical expectations of behavior during the meeting that was easy! To give examples and factual evidence of their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share Kate DePalma and... Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee as an ebook: LC191 S38 2017 ; also available as an.. And you ) meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with decision... To keep control of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee push yourself to be aware of,. To explain the context behind the question TRIGGERED and need to think about is style... Participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their assumptions before responding pass,! Using language that focuses ground rules for group discussion the discussion forum no one size fits all list of ground rules clarify expectations respectful... Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they pass unchallenged, it may also a! In Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) your!: University of Minnesota Extension and encouraged creative thought how did you feel is important no! Rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for respectful dialogue, Extension educator, leadership civic. Sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material.! Graduate school, is everyone Really Equal teens in the group on task without rushing them this! Everyone must contribute rules that set expectations for behavior in the community point... From the ordinary the maximum ground rules for group discussion to all, everyone must contribute about is style... < < /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode > > Research & Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma and! All list of ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue can encourage participants making unclear contributions to examples. Deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation all, everyone must contribute is important no. The discussion and make seek first to understand, then to be aware of time, and encouraged thought. With clear expectations for behavior in the group as a result, discussion can become toxic can. That every of your job here is when someone has been chosen by her community group... Participating in the future judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process of the Diversity Equity! Benefit from ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision.. Inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by questions.
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