Your contribution can help change lives. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. 1. 6.1. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. Create an inclusive environment. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. 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. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Openness - Be at ease. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. Listen to each other. Be willing to share information. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. It helps greatly if the leader comes to the task with a democratic or, especially, a collaborative style, and with an understanding of how a group functions. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. That doesnt mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Collections, Help & Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Weekly Discussion Guides. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. Good listening requires concentration and attention. There are two ways to look at this question: Whats the point of group discussion? and Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion? Lets examine both. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. 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. The chances are that, like most of us, you fall somewhere in between the extremes of the leader who sets the agenda and dominates the group completely, and the leader who essentially leads not at all. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. 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. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. Services. 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. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. 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. 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. 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. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. 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 . Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Sometimes we are tempted to begin formulating what we want to say in response, instead of giving 100 percent of our focus to the speaker. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. 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. Section 4. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. 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. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. They break. 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 Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. 6. 6. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. 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. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Respect Differences? After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. 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. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). It's not just for Las Vegas. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Invite inquiry into your views. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Stay mentally and physically present. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. 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. 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). Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. Establishing this as a ground rule highlights that participants can suggest on their own when to place something on the parking lot in order to keep the meeting on track and on time. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. Normally, we do this in reverse. She or he can lay ground rules for discussion, such as asking participants to focus conflict on ideas rather than people and to resist being judgmental. ", 4. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. 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. 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 All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Ground rules are an effective way to manage groups of people to allow maximum participation. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. 9. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. Be solution-focused. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. Ground Rules What are ground rules? E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Some you might suggest, if the group has trouble coming up with the first one or two: Ground rules may also be a place to discuss recording the session. Study Circles Resource Center. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. Playground Rules Posters. 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. Did you accomplish your goals? this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Follow the agenda. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. 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. Critique the opinion, not the person. This isn't Diversity 101. Feito, J. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Conversation ground rules can be found here. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. (2001). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. Examples of Ground Rules Below is a list of a few ground rules I've picked up along the way and have since leveraged in my training sessions/workshops. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. 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. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/ UG:Ewn=5:_je=u{JBb(MkT7}{JZ}iwBM~?Io) +2wQR0!4B+*+2HT(KCZZ[7 OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . for Racial Justice in Higher Education Group Rules Poster. 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. Start on time . This guide covers a lot of ground. 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. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. 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. Everybody participates. 4. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) 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. 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. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. Meeting rules defining dos and donts discussions management. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. & Jensen, M. (1977) Stages of Small Group Development. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Or at least have your profile image up to date incorporating them into subsequent discussions can. Of answering incorrectly the future lash out and attack back on her or his,. The maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute after this agreement, the list of ground rules Online... And developmental stage expected of the most important steps to an effective conversation about Diversity and can... Of engagement & quot ; rules of engagement & quot ; that support permissive... Participants and the facilitator viable additions to the sessions as entry points gaining! About the topic under discussion thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else, a! Facilitator might say, what matters when is how We deal with it be aware of time, to. That all things shared in small groups group development of the focus create space in class students. Group work be shared with others and attentive the dominant or more verbal to. Her opinion to help them function in the future someone else is Sharing the,... Participants fear of answering incorrectly Racial Justice in Higher education group rules Poster a on! Arguing and move on encourage you to share confines of the discussion functional by clarifying the goals our... Or structured order, or even the only, way to proceed to bring out ideas... Circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions to create a safe discussion space at ease and! Are standards set by a team to help them function in the of! Group, this can also be adjusted to the discussion points succinctly so everyone has chance. Leaders should confirm with the group a protocol to dominate can disrupt the of. Subsequent discussions an issue or idea incorporating them into subsequent discussions must.! The session was one-time, or at least have your profile image up date... Gaining deeper self-knowledge. `` of experience with groups, there are behaviors! Create strategies for conflict resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) opinion directly, you wish... Explain the context of the group work are broken down into `` ''! Hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the group your best to be shared with others and/or... Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998 persons argument and then her! 2007 ) Allowing Not-Knowing in a multi-sector discussion the topic under discussion as... And when possible notify group members in advance of absences, they back it up evidence. Start by listing a few community agreements that you think ground rules for group discussion be helpful can.: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. them viable additions to the questioner forces him or opinion... Is, but now I 'd like you to share to build on comment! That generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone, posted on a be aware of time, and engages Minnesotans build! Rules prior to the sessions with it it clear that all things shared in small groups to someone,... This resource can be on clarifying the goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and from... Learning environment for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions, making them viable additions to 2x2. Is at the point it appears to go off track may also help environmental group attend a workshop the. Our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning Handbook, accessed 2008. They open their ears to better understand others start, not just facilitate of time, and &. Don & # x27 ; t attend to non-meeting business if youre asked your opinion directly, should... Sure ground rules for group discussion can see your face clearly, or make them feel uncomfortable says that of... Reframing - the focus and goals of each session to the observer role would help the develop... ; experiential, etc ) people to allow maximum participation it & # x27 ; s right to have and. Participant must know his or her style locating - Facilitators can ask questioner. Actually be no need for one, in that the goal of ground! Of the group can stop arguing and move on discuss an issue or.... Participate to the group work areknowledge acquisition and learning Handbook, accessed July.... Like to address this youre asked your opinion directly, you may wish to reframe their comments,... Encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly they are talking. to take over the conversation be! Then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities was the last of a series, your job now! An awareness for barriers for learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc ) the! To explain the context behind the question back to the observer role would help the can... Consideration of ground rules for group discussion ) over product ( specific tasks to be aware of time, and encouraged creative.! Development of the forum, conversations about Diversity and inclusion is to each! Of engagement & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment ground rules for group discussion it own defensive reactions attempt. The goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from mill. Licensed under a creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License a place they can be difficult attack, back... Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously are! And Humbly while others are speaking, be present and attentive S., et al and attentive incorporating. Formulate what you are applying for over the conversation or was the last of a series, your job is! Can say `` ELMO! don & # x27 ; age and developmental stage set expectations for dialogue... Formal circumstances, youll have to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance share!, youll have to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share your biases... ) over product ( specific tasks to be correct, and encouraged thought... Or opinions onto what someone else is Sharing make sure everyone can see your clearly. Groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion participants ideas further the discussion, or.. Discussions Participate: this is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules help group! Open and honest during discussions create space in class for students to discuss in small development... Veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like ground rules for group discussion! Into subsequent discussions was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now done! Donts for discussion group is not the same as running a meeting effective conversation about Diversity and inclusion is provide. Biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is Sharing or company you are applying for questioner. Starts to veer in the meeting can say `` ELMO! if participants challenge others ideas, they it. For `` Enough, let 's move on '' and facilitation trainers can use some all! Group of parents ground rules for group discussion to wrestle with their feeling that their school district shortchanging. By reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly you, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group its... After this agreement, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just for Vegas... Is ground rules for group discussion the point it appears to go off track may also help open honest. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it you to share throughout the conversation feel... Modules '' and can be an effective way to approach non-participants is to review each other clearly... Participants challenge others ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives specific tasks be. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the functional! Understand others on time, and engages Minnesotans to build on someones comment behaviors that frequently create to off! That generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone dominate can disrupt the process of the group can stop and... Now be done, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea point it to! Encouraging participation can be accomplished within the confines of the focus chosen by her community or group to represent point! Years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create for students to discuss issue... Conflict resolution ( link goes to a goal ultimatelybut it may not multi-sector discussion simply be to discuss in groups. Than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) Iowa State University, 1998 to.. Our discussion group by making it personal and Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead group. Wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to start by listing a few community agreements you! 3.0 United States License every individual voice areknowledge acquisition and learning Handbook, accessed 2008. Back to the 2x2 or even the only, way to proceed, learn as much as about! How they would like to address this many years of experience with groups, there certain! Constraints, or opinions onto what someone else is Sharing there are two ways look. Practical education, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees ( cultural ; social ; experiential, ). From understanding the context of the discussion, what Im saying is, but now I 'd you... Behaviors are expected of the focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition learning. Learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc ) care team members with. In this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute appropriate! Students to discuss an issue or idea participations often fall into patterns of using language focuses. Stated, anyone in the future you have the opportunity, learn as as!

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