Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. 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. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. 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. 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. 9. 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. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. End on time. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. In discussions around diversity and equity, it's important to understand that everyone sees and experiences the world differently - what seems "right" in your experience may not be so in someone else's. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. Confidentiality. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including odd ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyones ideas are respected. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Community activists. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. 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. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. 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. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. 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. Those rules were and still are necessary for. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. This isn't Diversity 101. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Respect Differences? There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. 1. . Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Stay mentally and physically present. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. Poster. Show up on time and come prepared. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Mayer, B. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. 5. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. 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. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. It's not just for Las Vegas. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Take responses and add them to the list. Regents of the University of Minnesota. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. How did you feel once the conversation ended? Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. "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. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. 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. Keep discussions focused. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Study Circles Resource Center. Give everyone an opportunity to share. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. 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. 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. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Ground rules may cover the behavior of the disputants, the role or behavior of any third party (e.g., facilitator or mediator ), the methods or process to be used, and/or the substance of the discussions. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. Conversation ground rules can be found here. 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. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Medical Education, 38:286-293. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. Each person gets a chance to talk. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Boyce, K. (2002). is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. The more assertive and less cooperative you are, the more likely you are to exhibit traits of the competing style for managing conflict, and the more cooperative and less assertive you are, the more accommodating you are in your style of conflict management. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. When conflict is avoided or approached on a win/lose basis, it becomes unhealthy and can cause low morale and increased tension within your members. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Provide the rules in writing. 2023 This guide covers a lot of ground. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD
iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. Iowa State University of Science and Technology Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. 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 Be willing to share information. 1. Gelula, M.H. 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. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. 6. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. 5. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. (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. 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. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. & Jensen, M. (1977) Stages of Small Group Development. Start on time . _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Ground Rules What are ground rules? How? Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. 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. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Guide for Setting Ground Rules. (2001). Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? 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. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Be on time and prepared for meetings. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. 2. S
E=dHv>X:)GG8" 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. Health professionals and health educators. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. This is a discussion, not a debate. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Allow others to share. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. 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. 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 . It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. 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. 1. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. Did you accomplish your goals? Research & Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. 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. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. 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. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. 3. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. The Tool Box needs your help 6.1. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Create an inclusive environment. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. What surprises or challenges me? After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. 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. 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. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. 10. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. Half the preparation is about knowledge. 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