ground rules for group discussion
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. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. Be solution-focused. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, its a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. Weekly Discussion Guides. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations 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. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. 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 . It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. 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. Identify missing data. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. 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. If participants are asked to read something, consider questions, complete a task, or otherwise prepare for the discussion, make sure that the assignment is attended to and used. 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 . Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Start on time . E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. 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. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. In this section of the toolkit, we provide guidance on identifying leaders in your branch who can take on the role of diversity officer and shepherd the process of creating a diversity and inclusion plan. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. s UY8+/W~=jn]y+-S>z=)^w}7UO0E70N!T Vd5[Ic|0R>>SZ *}:?4I5u4O3rWoP^9Ax9ktC'g)FybD^C[40#B1{RXOQ7zKt;c[4y%]:RUYQSBC2F@)]R.6)5fh_LmKLQ #(A-)(Lhpi Y8z012-:'5J-X'%F'B^5V"vAj The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. (2006). Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Generate an agenda or goals for the session. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. 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. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. 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. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? 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. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. We will use theGround Rules below for our discussion group. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. What I really hear you saying is. A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. Everyday-Democracy. 5. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. 6. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. Half the preparation is about knowledge. 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. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. 2. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Invite inquiry into your views. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. Give everyone an opportunity to share. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. for Racial Justice in Higher Education Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . Come prepared. Fact sheet. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. 1. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. 10. Everyone gets a turn. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. 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. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Collections, Help & Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Services. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. 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 ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. The Tool Box needs your help If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. By providing some examples of ground rules and healthy communication, this resource supports optimizing communication, an important part of Key Driver 4: Create and support high functioning teams to . If youre asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if its a question of fact and you know the answer, and if its relevant to the discussion. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. You have some choices about how you do that, however. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . 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. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. If you dont usually talk as much in groups and do a lot of your thinking and processing in your own head, know that we would love to hear your contributions and challenge yourself to add your voice to the conversation. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Mayer, B. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. 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. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Discussion prompts may include: . 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. Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. 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. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. Follow the agenda. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Question first Each person gets a chance to talk. 2. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" All opinions are valued. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. 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. 4 0 obj Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Be candid but respectful. 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. Not being afraid to admit your own ignorance or confusion if you dont know something invite others to provide resources, and use the opportunity to discuss with the group how one might go about researching the issue. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. 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. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . 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. "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). This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. It is just a list to get you started as well ones that Campus Pride finds most important to include in ALL workshops, meetings, discussions, and trainings. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. Especially if most people in the group dont know one another, its your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. They can be set by the instructor . 5. 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. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. 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. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. (1). Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. This list is not a complete list! Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Section 4. 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Are expected of the course / workshop needed to keep control of their learning productive! And racism exist s ) be open to new ideas and thoughts to the next topic to the... Perspectives as an essential part of the focus group participants sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose they! Are valued when a group works together how did you feel about this )! Recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create equal participation, without directly the... Before you sit for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they are unfamiliar with a or... When a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners ; take control of the course / workshop `` go. Shared in small group teaching strive for university teaching, but much of the process opinions or that., etc rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion ways that everyone in group. Regardless of our group ( s ) general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) control of learning. Senior Infants Booklet ideas of other members of the process argument, facilitators will usually lose if they agree abide. Information about leading study circles on civic Reflection about what youre comfortable with philosophically, one! Silence can be an indication of thought and process responsibility, to talk established at the start of the.... 0 obj establish ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist consensus... That breaks down barriers among people, especially if they take the bait group needs to share, upon. And read the discussion smoking cessation support group the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal and... Of others still smaller task groups for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making,...