Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. 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. G.R.O.U.P.S. 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. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. 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. 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. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. (2006). In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Stay mentally and physically present. stream Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Whenever you are talking to your branch or board about diversity and inclusion, its important to ensure that everyone feels safe for conversation and exploration. 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 . Show up on time and come prepared. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? 1. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Discussion prompts may include: . Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. 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. 3. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. 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. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Yet another is to give your opinion after all other members of the group have stated theirs, and then discuss the similarities and differences among all the opinions and peoples reasons for holding them. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Sexual health education works best in classrooms where there's a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. 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. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts Universityis designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. All opinions are valued. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W 10. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. 3. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Everybody participates. Everyday-Democracy. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. 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. Start on timeand end on time. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . In order for a support group to be successful, all participants, including the facilitator, must agree to follow specific guidelines to keep others feeling safe. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. No one wants to find out he or she has been the subject of gossip or well-meaning "prayer discussions." This is probably the most important ground rule of all. This allows the group to accomplish its purpose if it has one, or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members. 6.1. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Each person gets a chance to talk. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? (4th edition). 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. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. How did you feel once the conversation ended? St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. This category could include anyone from professional community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each sessionto help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) 6. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. 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). ", 3. 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. 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. 2023 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. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Then she has to guide the discussion, being careful to promote an open process; involve everyone and let no one dominate; attend to the personal issues and needs of individual group members when they affect the group; summarize or clarify when appropriate; ask questions to keep the discussion moving, and put aside her own agenda, ego, and biases. 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 May actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an or. Personal attacks focus on ideas Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008 emphasizes that 's. 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