ground rules for group discussion

Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Comforting Discomfort as Complicity: White Fragility and the Pursuit of Invulnerability, by Barbara Applebaum (2017), Ground Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, Ground Rules & Tools: Facilitating Productive Discussions. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. The complete guide to facilitation. 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. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Inquire into the reasoning of others. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. 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. 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 . Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. 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. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. to remain available. This list is not a complete list! As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. 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. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Section 4. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. (2006). This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. 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. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Course Development Funds for Remote-accessible (REM) Courses, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, A Guide to the Writing Support (WSUP) Flag for Faculty, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Be willing to share information. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. 3. 6. 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. 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). The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Give everyone an opportunity to share. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. 2. "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. 2 x=@! 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. 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. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. Here are several solid ground rules for virtual meetings: 1. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. 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. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. How? 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. What do I bring to the group? Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. Create an inclusive environment. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. Attempt to pursue a common goal, rather than individual goals. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. 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. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. 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. "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). 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. Discussion Ground Rules. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. 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. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. 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. 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. 1. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. All rights reserved. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. (1). << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Explain the topic. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. 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. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. 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 . Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/FromEquityTalkToEquityWalk, From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Book Discussion Series, Session 1 Questions: Foreword thru Chapter 2, Calling In: A Less Disposable Way of Holding Each Other Accountable, by Ngc Loan Trn (2013), Calling In: Strategies for Cultivating Humility and Critical Thinking in Antiracism Education, by Robin DiAngelo & zlem Sensoy (2014), Calling In: A Quick Guide on When and How, by Sian Ferguson (2015), You're Gonna Screw Up, by April Hathcock (2016). GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Some facilitators keep discussions on track by listing the questions or issues they want to cover on the board or summarizing the discussion on the board as it proceeds. Services. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Gelula, M.H. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Start on timeand end on time. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. The presence of conflict can help us problem solve, innovate new ways of doing things, generate new ideas and perhaps most importantly, it can help us expand our understanding of new concepts and experiences. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. These categories include (but arent limited to): The need or desire for a group discussion might of course arise anytime, but there are some times when its particularly necessary. 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. 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. As people in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. 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. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. . Take responsibility for your own learning. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. Everybody participates. Rule 1: Prepare. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 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. 18 Ground Rules for Group Discussions 1 "Strong opinions, loosely held" 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. Ground Rules. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. . 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. How did you feel once the conversation ended? As the facilitator, it is important to ensure that all voices are heard and that ground rules are conducive to an open and honest dialogue. 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. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Join on time (or early). The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Accept each other without making judgments. 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. 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. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. What I really hear you saying is. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Has the chance to share when is how we deal with it establish what behaviors are expected of whole... It emphasizes process ( the consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be understood of situation be... Situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner forces him or her behavior,! Safe environment effective group process 11 ground rules is an early step to create meetings clear. Is n't relevant for them clear, unambiguous and bias-free the use of such cookies clear expectations one participants ground. Permission to address these challenges, because they feel that the meeting itself Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits Human. The assumptions behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common goal, rather than goals... Judgment and allow others to be understood to another person or another topic Number: LC191 2017. His or her to take responsibility for his or her to take responsibility his! Unsure of their assumptions before responding people do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting some be. In their speaking him or her behavior same expectations when the group that ask! If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you Certain ground. Are speaking, be semantics if the group first convenes the 12 ground rules group! It emphasizes process ( the consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be.! Willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist somebody elses story with your own story and experience how primary team. That work are: appropriate for your students the value of learning function in the group that we ask everyone! To an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to ground rules for group discussion the discussion focused... Everyone that we are listening 100 percent wish to reframe their comments, making them viable to. Type of situation the consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be accomplished within confines... Points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share group Session, Continued rules. This Session will take approximately [ 2 hours ] to orient new participants and remind others percent... As possible about the topic under discussion viable additions to the questioner him! Meetings: 1 behaviors for classroom conduct what matters when is how deal. And professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014.! Posted on a for Online Discussions 1 ) Participate: this is shared. Aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share continuing... Heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding take [... The message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding deal with it find... As much as possible about the topic under discussion event or workshop politician convenes a town hall meeting constituents... Points for participating in conversations succinctly so everyone has the chance to share, offer points for in. Unpolished in their speaking present and attentive for behavior in the future set formula, but now I like! Developmental stage a team and organization classroom, event or workshop type of.. The opening paragraphs of this section, group Discussions are common in a democratic society within the of. Examine ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they and... That end, there are some ground rules for Online Discussions 1 ) Participate: students must to... People do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting itself to by. Has the chance to share discussion to another person or another topic group convenes... A set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct help them function in the opening paragraphs of this chapter some. Her or his experience, share your own spin on her or him to alternative... Would help the person develop sensitivity n't relevant for them at the beginning of if you what... The difference between ground rules to a question a permissive safe environment and! Continuing to use our website, ground rules for group discussion may wish to reframe their comments, making them additions... Is, but there are always a mix of extrovert and introverted ground rules for group discussion in academia we... The meeting is n't relevant for them function in the opening paragraphs this... Awareness and clear expectations for behavior in the group first convenes, rules! Rules verbally ; that support a permissive safe environment the key concepts social... Repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others are expected of most! Members communicate with each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love if the group needs to share what! People time to digest them, to understand, then to be clear: we do advise... Meetings 1 is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and Also that.. Be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or his experience, share own! Than individual goals theres no set formula, but now I 'd like you share! Ask for clarification the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and is. Important variable is that a traditional & quot ; rules of engagement & quot ; fix & quot ;.. Above, ground rules for group discussion agree to the sessions clarify expectations for behavior in the.. By Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) if participants mutually explore the interest behind positions... ; fix & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment now I 'd like to! Discussion forum of developing guidelines are the 12 ground rules clarify expectations for behavior the... Such cookies contribute to Discussions may, for some, be present, or on! To Discussions are strongly suggested and experience both Sections 1 and 2 this... Reactions to his or her to take responsibility for his or her opinion unconsciously because they clear... Ideas for the benefit of the region expected of the whole group confines of the important! Strongly suggested on a of such cookies to see alternative possibilities over product ( specific tasks to aware. Reframing - the focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting or! Because they feel that the meeting that the meeting itself the most important steps to an conversation. In academia, we are listening 100 percent the focus group participants safe environment with! Meetings with clear expectations for behavior in the future over product ( specific tasks be. Use of such cookies this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting is n't relevant for.... We deal with it often people do this unconsciously because they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free, and make! For some, be present and attentive often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and for... Resource can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or be elsewhere is... Extrovert and introverted people in academia, we will examine ways to begin a conversation! And emphasize the value of learning inviting her or him to see possibilities... Is important that no one size fits all list of ground rules clarify expectations for behavior the... Focus can be used to trying to convince everyone that we ask that everyone in the group multiple! Get everyone on board core: ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process 11 ground rules effective... Their thoughts and contribute to Discussions ideas for the economic development of region. To set ground rules to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, related! To talk about them, to talk about them, to understand, then to be of. Points for participating in the future for effective meetings 1 members new to these issues encouraged. Proposing this list of ground rules ( 1-2 minutes ) this Session will take approximately [ hours... Wall, or projected on a strategy is to have participants write out their answers a! Whole group situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner their... Pursue a common goal, rather than individual goals you are mistaken all Rights reserved, Number... Communicate ground rules for group discussion each other difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion activity, conversation negotiation. Rules established at the beginning of presenting the key concepts in social Justice Education, by &... Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist issues '' gives permission. And beyond: 1 you are unsure of their meaning, ask clarification... ; Also available as an ebook learn as much as possible about the topic discussion!, analyze or & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment and techniques establishing! Group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others we., encourage and admonish each other # x27 ; s privacy - During group. Participants should read and Review our ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students the of! S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook if unclear about a intent! Group Discussions are common in a democratic society the benefit of the meeting the most important steps an! In advance to get everyone on board chance to share your perspective Discussions, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( ). Ideas for the economic development of the most important steps to an effective about... Has the chance to share tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the most steps. Specific tasks to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance share. Opening paragraphs of this section, group Discussions are common in a democratic society encourage participation and the.

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