ground rules for group discussion

Ground rules for public participation. for Racial Justice in Higher Education By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. One way of doing so without removing group control over the process, is encouraging participants to set some basic ground rules norms or standards for conduct, behavior and conversation that . 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. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. Research & If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. 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. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. 2. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. 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. 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. Study Circles Resource Center. 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. What I really hear you saying is. 2, pp.419-427. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. 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 . Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? 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. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. 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. Fact sheet. 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. 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. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Iowa State University of Science and Technology Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. Debrief. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). 2 x=@! Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. 1. 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. Rule 1: Prepare. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. 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. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. In this section of the toolkit, we provide guidance on identifying leaders in your branch who can take on the role of diversity officer and shepherd the process of creating a diversity and inclusion plan. 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. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. 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). This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Show up on time and come prepared. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. In these circumstances, the leaders ability to identify points of agreement, or to ask the question that will get discussion moving again is crucial to the groups effectiveness. Be candid but respectful. They can be set by the instructor . A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. 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 clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. (8th edition). It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. How did you feel once the conversation ended? 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. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Group Rules Poster. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Increase participation and the sharing of ideas and perspectives; Promote openness to points of view and increase learning; Manage problems before and as they occur; and. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each session to help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." (1) We will modify these as a group to meet DEI needs. 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. What's said at group stays at group. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. They break. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. Your transparency will encourage others. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Another is to ask to hold your opinion until the end of the discussion, so as not to influence anyones thinking while its going on. How can you create guidelines? Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. to remain available. Come prepared. Accept each other without making judgments. What do I bring to the group? This guide covers a lot of ground. 5. 5. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. 1. . 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. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. 6. 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. xx Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including odd ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyones ideas are respected. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. How? Medical Education, 38:286-293. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. (1). Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. 6.1. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? Everyday-Democracy. 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. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. 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. 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. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. 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. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). ", 3. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Openness - Be at ease. 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. Mayer, B. 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. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. 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. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. All too often, conflict whether conflicting opinions, conflicting world views, or conflicting personalities is so frightening to people that they do their best to ignore it or gloss it over. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own. Identify missing data. 2. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Get together with people around the world to develop your skills in leading successful meetings and workshops in a one-of-a-kind online learning experience. Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. This category could include anyone from professional community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts, All members of the group can hear others ideas and feelings stated openly, Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. All rights reserved. Stay mentally and physically present. "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. 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. Question first 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.

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