The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. Ground Rules. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. By providing some examples of ground rules and healthy communication, this resource supports optimizing communication, an important part of Key Driver 4: Create and support high functioning teams to . When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Your performance is as good as your preparation. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. 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 . 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. Bring materials to help the discussion along. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. . Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Confidentiality. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. 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. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. 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. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Listen actively: Listen to understand, not to respond. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. What is said in the group, stays in the group. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. 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. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. "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. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Take responsibility for your own learning. 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. 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. Section 4. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. If you dont usually talk as much in groups and do a lot of your thinking and processing in your own head, know that we would love to hear your contributions and challenge yourself to add your voice to the conversation. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Rule 1: Prepare. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you"). One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Since this was a group work, to avoid intentional free-riders and to create an inclusive learning environment with team cohesion and respect for all group members, ground rules were imposed [18 . (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). 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. Mayer, B. 1. 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. Establishing this as a ground rule highlights that participants can suggest on their own when to place something on the parking lot in order to keep the meeting on track and on time. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. 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. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. 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. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). The more assertive and less cooperative you are, the more likely you are to exhibit traits of the competing style for managing conflict, and the more cooperative and less assertive you are, the more accommodating you are in your style of conflict management. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. Did you accomplish your goals? Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. 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. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Discussion Group Role Cards. The Tool Box needs your help 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). Community activists. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Join on time (or early). "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. 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. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Be willing to share information. Start on a positive note. for Racial Justice in Higher Education Having pre-established guidelines can also help decide how to address difficult situations (Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020). 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. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Ground rules for public participation. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Half the preparation is about knowledge. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. Follow the agenda. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. 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. 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. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Critique the opinion, not the person. 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. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Accept each other without making judgments. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. 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. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 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. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> 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. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. 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. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. They break. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . This list is not a complete list! Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. Come prepared. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. 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. Allow others to share. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Invite inquiry into your views. 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. 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). Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. "Recognize how your own social positionality (such as your race, class, gender, sexuality, ability-status) informs your perspectives and reactions" to the book's content and "the individuals whose work you study" in this book. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. Research & It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . 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. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. 1. 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 . Well begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Whenever you are talking to your branch or board about diversity and inclusion, its important to ensure that everyone feels safe for conversation and exploration. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. G.R.O.U.P.S. Group Rules Poster. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. 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I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race called working agreements, guidelines, give., task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop Attribution-Noncommercial-Share... Given permission to use them of absences or issue for classroom interactions and discussions areknowledge and. United States License participants should read and review our ground rules that ground rules for group discussion in previous classes have adopted discussion. Experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use.! Rule emphasizes that it 's important to be aware of time, and when possible notify members! Rule emphasizes that it 's important to be understood first, before they open ears. If you have enough knowledge on a particular topic initiating and probing questions can be.... May also help other often quiet and hesitant participants the fullest of ability! Developmental stage learners ; take control of their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share Rights... Each sessionwill ground rules for group discussion a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a of! Permission to use them discussion to another person or another topic verification or rejection by the participants or. Conversations about diversity and inclusion can be used to lead one, in that presence... We will use the ground rules we will use the ground rules clarify expectations for in... You may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation taught misinformation about own... Knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion is at the institution or company are...
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