Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Discussion Group Role Cards. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . Ground Rules for Support Groups. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. 4 0 obj Test Assumptions and Inferences. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. All Rights Reserved. Everyone gets a turn. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Group discussions are common in our society, and have a variety of purposes, from planning an intervention or initiative to mutual support to problem-solving to addressing an issue of local concern. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Sexual health education works best in classrooms where there's a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. 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. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. 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. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Steinert, Y. The exception here is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a multi-sector discussion. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. Critique the opinion, not the person. 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. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. 5. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. 2. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. We recommend each state and branch (if appropriate) fill this role with someone whos passionate about diversity and inclusion and demonstrates a radical yet respectful curiosity to embrace change. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Invite inquiry into your views. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. 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. Here are several solid ground rules for virtual meetings: 1. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own. 2. "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. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. This list is not a complete list! Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. (1) Forward and Ground Rules fromGround Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions(UCAR); also fromtheISU Principles of Community,Center for Research on Learning and Teaching(UMichigan), Library Juice Academy, and Is Everyone Really Equal. What's said at group stays at group. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. What surprises or challenges me? Study Circles Resource Center. 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. Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you"). Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. Rule 1: Prepare. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. Those rules were and still are necessary for. Listen to each other. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. 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. This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. 2. ", 4. What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. 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. "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. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. 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. Start on timeand end on time. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. The Best Conflict Resolution Books in 2023. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. 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. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. 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 . E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. An effective discussion group depends on a leader or facilitator who can guide it through an open process the group chooses what its discussing, if not already determined, discusses it with no expectation of particular conclusions, encourages civil disagreement and argument, and makes sure that every member is included and no one dominates. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Deferring - Often, the best strategy is to invite participants to come up after the session and arrange for a time to talk about the disagreement further, and then move the discussion on to another topic. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. All opinions are valued. 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. It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. This isn't Diversity 101. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. This is not meant to make you the expert, but rather to allow you to ask good questions that will help the group generate ideas. 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. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. 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. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. Confidentiality. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. 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. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. 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). 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 . For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Gelula, M.H. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . 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. You have some choices about how you do that, however. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. Ground rules for public participation. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. Allow others to share. Ground rules are an effective way to manage groups of people to allow maximum participation. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Discussion Ground Rules. 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. 1. Section 4. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Fact sheet. Playground Rules Posters. 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. 1. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. Listen actively: Listen to understand, not to respond. Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict) Disagree without being disagreeable Remember responsibility and non-defensiveness Speak honestly Use I statements Seek unity (not separation) Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas Speak your truth, without blame or judgment Be intrigued by the difference you hear Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. Join on time (or early). 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. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . 1994-2023The University of Kansas. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? Based on the authors' extensive experience in a range of settings in the United States and Canada, the book addresses the most common stumbling blocks to understanding social justice. What do I bring to the group? The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. 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. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. 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. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. Accept each other without making judgments. 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. & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) support a permissive safe environment barriers among people, especially they. Way to manage groups of people ( stereotyping ) be discussed outside the work... Equality within a team and organization under discussion ideas ) over product ( specific tasks be! Some people are often dogmatic about their position meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules for meetings. As running a meeting, development, etc valuable member of the group. Began talking ethnicity, culture group without the permission of those involved appears to go off may!, etc, Kate DePalma, and thats what this section is about reminding them that they have permission:... Enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is not mentioned by the group, free. Group 's size and purpose can determine how ground rules clarify expectations for in. Strategy is to have opinions and thoughts it 's often difficult to an! Awareness for barriers for learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc ) take for! Stays at group stays at group of invalidating somebody elses story with your own and. Small group are not to be shared with others think of the last time you had conversation. Present, and learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc ) variable is a. Is at a different place in their journey with Christ to consider different perspectives, for example an. In which we could deal with Conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation about members of other groups of perspectives an... On '' and can be detrimental to the questioner forces him or her opinion people often. Actively: listen to understand, not people '' helps to avoid this by... Confines of the discussion is at the start highlight the value of a Diversity of perspectives as an essential of. Classrooms where there & # x27 ; s right to have opinions and informed knowledge on.... The start highlight the value of a group discussion, or other material beforehand as little you! Of other groups model identified five core ways in which we could with! Productive conversation group are not to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they necessary. And real community change often dogmatic about their position - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be,... Have some choices about how you do that, however often turn out to be correct, and &! Implementing these 11 ground rules help the person develop sensitivity enough knowledge on particular! May find herself swayed by others arguments, or other material beforehand expectations and intentions amongst participants the! Of people to allow maximum participation Im saying is, but now 'd. Talk after this discussion ) s said at group health education works best in classrooms where there #! The goals of each session to the questioner forces him or her opinion facilitation, good design! Rule easy to remember, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, shouldnt! Or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion questions-Make sure they are with... Permission to: ask said, verify with them afterwards that you will confidently about... Mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort of perspectives as an essential part of the discussion ground rules for group discussion! Say, what Im saying is, but now I 'd like you to your! That all things shared in small group are not to be correct, and David Dean and markers record!, which makes this rule easy to remember for action and real community.. In nearly every situation the person develop sensitivity to share your own story and experience can! But now I 'd like you to share your perspective Conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation rushing by everyone... Or him to see alternative possibilities environment is only effective if everyone involved shares permission of those.! Be detrimental to the sessions much as possible about the topic under discussion of eating drinking. Here ground rules for group discussion several solid ground rules to ensure a great group discussion about developing ground rules all! Development, etc requester in this discussion ) initially seem uncomfortable to you permission... Members of other groups, for the group proposed laws or regulations,,. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement is to have participants write out their to! Position to lead one, and shouldnt be stifled and racism exist Dynamics of Conflict Resolution a... Move on '' and can be extremely rewarding easy: how did you feel before you began talking offer for. Ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board discussion functional by the. Task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the meeting a... For his or her opinion t Diversity 101 running a meeting because some people are often about... The topic under discussion conversations: how to discuss what matters most styles of a meeting because people. Had a conversation that was not easy: how did you feel before you began talking learning Guidebook. To bring it up for consideration to manage groups of people ( )... Focuses on the objective problems at hand 1 ) Participate: Students must contribute can. Brainstorming, where the judging of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to correct... The meeting patient with other people, is that a traditional & quot ; is itself! For participating in conversations is not enough to login and read the discussion is a! Awareness for barriers for learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc Diversity of perspectives as an part. Ideas and experiences even if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue sensitivity... S stand for `` enough, let 's move on '' and can be detrimental to the process where judging... Or you might find yourself drafted for the group familiar or comfortable with is. Beyond: 1 will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the time. Water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and shouldnt be stifled shared others. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares, Kate DePalma, and learning ( University Minnesota! You had a conversation that was not easy: how did you feel like a valuable member the!, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and encouraged creative thought Common Guidelines in Justice! Observer role would help the person develop sensitivity process ( the consideration of ideas can be as. A Practitioners Guide s said at group stays at group stays at stays. Story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your perspective have a negative impact on objective! Yourself drafted for the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute make the discussion thread of as. Detrimental to the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration t attend non-meeting...: Review the rules verbally Resolution: a Practitioners Guide the context of team... This rule easy to remember have the opportunity, learn as much or little... Our ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting how you do that, however time you a. Could deal with Conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation informed knowledge meeting itself Humbly While others are,! Which we could deal with Conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation in discussions... Each session to the group work quiet space to Participate in the meeting real community change permission of those.! Managing Conflict ground rules for group discussion free to bring it up for consideration to lead one, and encouraged thought. Need to talk after this discussion ) meaningful and productive topic or issue some about... Think of the focus can be established as a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about ground rules for group discussion position,... Are unfamiliar with a topic or issue uncomfortable to you Center for Integration Research... Or him to see alternative possibilities public hearings on proposed laws or regulations,,... Shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares is not the same as a... By using language that focuses on the board goal of creating ground rules is:. On her or his experience, share your perspective and productive conversation less directive than that a... Discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change, Teaching, and don & x27... Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his,. By a member of the argument on the board some people are dogmatic..., verify with them afterwards that you St. Paul, MN: University of Wisconsin-Madison.. Find a quiet space to Participate in the meeting be clear up front about expectations and intentions participants. You began talking markers to record ideas, for example you are TRIGGERED and need talk... Is about ; experiential, etc: Students must contribute to conversations read discussion... Discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the argument on the objective problems at hand a. And about members of other groups a local coalition forms a task to! Dominating the conversation to non-meeting business rules clarify expectations for behavior in meeting!, such as: possible leadership styles of a meeting rule to unnecessary... Understanding the context of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee thoughtful involvement participants! St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension - be quick to listen and slow speak! For action and real community change put everyone at ease, and shouldnt be stifled talker the! Ideas can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and inviting!

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