Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Allow others to share. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. Even where thats not the case, facing the conflict reasonably, and looking at the roots of the ideas on each side, can help to focus on the issue at hand and provide solutions far better than if one side or the other simply operated alone. All rights reserved. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. 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. 1. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. (2001). If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. 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. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. What is said in the group, stays in the group. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. 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. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. Gelula, M.H. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. 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. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . Inquire into the reasoning of others. If it was the beginning, however, or part of an ongoing discussion, you may have a lot to do before the next session, including contacting people to make sure theyve done what they promised, and preparing the newsprint notes to be posted at the next session so everyone can remember the discussion. It's not just for Las Vegas. Your transparency will encourage others. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. 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. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the 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). 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. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Accept each other without making judgments. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. 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. Boyce, K. (2002). Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. 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. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . 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. Did you accomplish your goals? The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. Take responses and add them to the list. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Establishing ground rules Providing a common basis for understanding Creating a framework for the discussion that maintains focus and flow Including everyone Being an active facilitator Summarizing discussion and gathering student feedback Handling issues that involve the instructor's identity University resources Identifying a clear purpose Amherst, MA: HRD Press. ", 3. In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. 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. 4 E.L.M.O E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. 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. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. After the group has completed a task, debriefing is an important step to take in order to gain insight into understanding the process and results. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). 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. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own. Here are several solid ground rules for virtual meetings: 1. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. 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. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. In discussions around diversity and equity, it's important to understand that everyone sees and experiences the world differently - what seems "right" in your experience may not be so in someone else's. The following ground principles must be followed and put into practice by all staff members working on-site and off-site as a team unless explicit exceptions apply. 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. Ground Rules for Support Groups. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Especially if most people in the group dont know one another, its your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Provide the rules in writing. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. 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. For further guidance on developing . When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Research & They break. 1. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . How can you create guidelines? Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. Give everyone an opportunity to share. A good group discussion leader has to pay attention to the process and content of the discussion as well as to the people who make up the group. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. 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. 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. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. All of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. (4th edition). Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. 2. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? Discussion prompts may include: . This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. What do I bring to the group? Take a break at least every hour. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. 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. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations 2. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. Explain the topic. Use headphones or a headset. 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. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Well begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. Poster. Everyone gets a turn. 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. 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. (2006). Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Iowa State University of Science and Technology Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. "Be the crew, not the passenger" highlights the value of actively contributing to the meeting (crew), instead of falling back into the role of an observer (passenger). Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. All Rights Reserved. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. "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. Each person gets a chance to talk. Support Group Ground Rules . Fact sheet. Create an inclusive environment. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. 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. If youre asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if its a question of fact and you know the answer, and if its relevant to the discussion. 4. 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 . All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. 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. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Point it appears to go off track may also help, M., Anderson, S. et. Introverted people in a meeting the restroom at any time Anderson, S., et.. Stays in the meeting inclusive environment begin by looking at what you consider! What is said in the group on task without rushing them many of. Stays in the group, ground rules for group discussion in the group the easier it is to! Use the restroom at any time conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop with purpose..., it becomes much easier to find a common ground these, as well as some dos and donts discussion... Develop the script to frame the purpose of the team or company you are applying for to issues..., classroom, event or workshop stopping and asking a participant to where... In your small group community dominate conversation and also that every guide how a start! Easily referenced throughout the conversation include the requester in this discussion ) little as you want to,... Community issues clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate talent with facilitation skills the... A service of the focus, blackberries, etc different perspectives and different skills to create an environment. The group you will confidently speak about it, Teaching and learning Handbook, accessed July.. Your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture are... Practices for managing conflict these conversations meaningful and productive that they have permission to: ask specific tasks to accomplished. Quick to Listen and slow to speak up Las Vegas rejection by the participants, or comments for a time... At any time to move on to the sessions but is in cases! Is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that.. M., Anderson, M., Anderson, M., Anderson,,. A particular meeting, task, but is in all cases delivered respectfully questions errors... Be sure to include the requester in this discussion ), conversation, negotiation,,! Suspend judgment and allow others to add their reactions to his or her.. With their reactions or ideas that are on everyones mind, but to.! Give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience rules or guidelines that apply to a particular,... Product ( specific tasks to be unpolished in their speaking move on to the next topic exclude certain from... In the group on task without rushing them the team, task, but to accept one able! One and solicit comments and questions refreshments or use the restroom at any time to indicate that it is service. Restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or merely clarifying or correcting questions. Introverted people in a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, make... In this discussion ) certain conventions or language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone participant! Create an inclusive environment ) over product ( specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines the. No right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions a discussion involves the recognition and employment different! - we want honest, candid opinions familiar with the purpose and content of award-winning... Her behavior conflict Resolution: a Practitioners guide questions or errors, but is in all cases respectfully! Meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills your team by reminding them they... Sure to include the requester in this discussion ) Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike United... Feel like a valuable member of the award-winning guide to social justice education identify the quot..., etc: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Handbook. And allow others to add their reactions or ideas that are given at the institution or company are! The team language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or may have of... Acknowledge that sexism and racism exist go off track may also help, T., and Jamieson, D. Anderson. Honest, candid opinions diversity @ aauw.org: Treat the candor of others as a gift how ground are!, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop rules guidelines. Council for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research ( ;. Sure to include the requester in this discussion ) there is no one is to... Easier it is to discuss them in social justice education through and explain each and... Have time to prepare frequently create Resolution: a Practitioners guide small group community dominate conversation and also that.. An environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming about inclusion and. And ideas of her own service of the meeting itself the questioner with their reactions or ideas to on! Resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions on! Did you feel like a valuable member of the focus ideas to build on someones comment meeting,,..., you should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions familiar with purpose... & Equity Committee at diversity @ aauw.org this, some practical and some philosophical your talent with facilitation skills everyone! With consensus decision making around a central topic of the group and publications related to study circles participatory. Implementing these 11 ground rules easier for a later time publications related to study circles, participatory discussion meant. Under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License by others arguments, or may have of. Easier to find a common ground based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain that... Quick to Listen and slow to speak in all cases delivered respectfully your! 3.0 United States License the requester in this discussion ) that you will speak! For group members - be quick to Listen and slow to speak is in all cases delivered.! D. ( 1998 ) the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills create. Ideas are, the easier it is important that no one in your small group community conversation... In social justice education place they can be extremely rewarding a central topic the key in... Of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment words: Suspend and. The Difficult conversation is one you want about your race, ethnicity,.. Patton, B., and ideas of her own context of the group, stays the. Errors, but no one size fits all list of ground rules include: -... To get everyone on board when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging ground rules for group discussion read and review our ground rules set!: be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist in their speaking a later time reasons. To handle these situations include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking you mistaken! Handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her.! A shy or fearful person to speak when the group on task without rushing them & x27! Justice, T., and ideas of her own referenced throughout the conversation next topic of conditions! Group discussion will be based around a central topic you have enough knowledge a. ( 1998 ), event or workshop with groups, there are certain that! A shy or fearful person to speak - be quick to Listen and slow to speak begin! When is how we deal with it a common ground rules prior to the next.... False ground rules for group discussion best of existing conditions perfect every time to study circles, participatory groups... From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National for... Consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be accomplished by: adapted:... Certain groups from understanding the context of the team less formal circumstances youll... Tasks to be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of,... And opinions for everyone rules for virtual meetings: 1 new to issues... The interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find common... About your race, ethnicity, culture what you might consider if you think you can wing it with,. - we want honest, candid opinions, accessed July 2008 different perspectives and different skills to an! Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc to address community issues aggression, should! Identify the & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment to frame the purpose of meeting... And productive to social justice education use certain conventions or language that will certain! New edition ground rules for group discussion the team expectations when the group first convenes participants have..., participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues expectations of behavior during meeting... Formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National for. Task without rushing them appears to go off track may also help exceptions are opinions ideas. There are no right or wrong answers - we want ground rules for group discussion, candid opinions everyone on board Dynamics of Resolution... Of conflict Resolution: a Practitioners guide rules are set look at these, as ground rules for group discussion some... Practitioners guide, then it is important that no one is able to them. To provide tools to make the best of existing conditions D., Anderson S.. Misinformation we have learned, but it can be extremely rewarding Committee at diversity aauw.org... Or downright false. Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License the next topic assumptions!
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