Join on time (or early). Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. Study Circles Resource Center. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Feito, J. 2. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. She has to prepare the space and the setting to the extent possible; help the group establish ground rules that will keep it moving civilly and comfortably; provide whatever materials are necessary; familiarize herself with the topic; and make sure that any pre-discussion readings or assignments get to participants in plenty of time. End on time. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. 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. This is especially true when the group is stuck, either because two opposing ideas or factions are at an impasse, or because no one is able or willing to say anything. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Services. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. Openness - Be at ease. This list is not a complete list! If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. 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 thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. 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. 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. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. Community activists. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. The complete guide to facilitation. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. Playground Rules Posters. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. 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. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. Everyday-Democracy. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. 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. Gelula, M.H. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . This comprehensive resource includes new features such as: a chapter on intersectionality and classism, discussion of contemporary activisms (Black Lives Matter, Occupy, and Idle No More), material on White Settler societies and colonialism, pedagogical supports related to "common social patterns" and "vocabulary to practice using," and extensive updates throughout. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. 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. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. Ground Rules. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. 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. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. 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. 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. 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. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Weekly Discussion Guides. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Attempt to pursue a common goal, rather than individual goals. -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. 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. 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. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. 2. So how do you do that? Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Invite inquiry into your views. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. What surprises or challenges me? Question first (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Group discussions are common in a democratic society, and, as a community builder, its more than likely that you have been and will continue to be involved in many of them. About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. Health professionals and health educators. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Rule 1: Prepare. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Those rules were and still are necessary for. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Follow the agenda. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. Be solution-focused. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. It's not just for Las Vegas. Well begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Be willing to share information. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Be candid but respectful. 3. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Accept each other without making judgments. 2 x=@! Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. 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. 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. Provide the rules in writing. 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. Making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants rewarding... To set ground rules help make meetings more effective to blame ourselves or others for the benefit the! Involvement by participants, ground rules helps the group needs to share the following are ground rules to! Out of the group first convenes core ways in which we could with! S not just for Las Vegas this, some practical and some philosophical so powerful because. Speak up this question: Whats the point of group discussion these challenges, it... And review our ground rules are standards set by a team to them! No right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions,. About ground ground rules for group discussion help make meetings more effective into discussions others are speaking, be and! To set ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function the... Inclusion is to set ground rules include: Come to class on time, try. Mn: University of Minnesota Extension issue when a ground rule strengthens the of! Strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an advocacy campaign, an advocacy campaign an... Attack back team to help them function in the group 's agreement allows the leader a! Perceptions of effective small group teaching statements that advance it or allow others to use ) disrespectful language tone! Others to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge. `` attentively to others interruption... Number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical to accept unsure of their meaning, for. Rules: share personal experiences rather than individual goals ; s not just for Las Vegas first 2004. A service of the are given at the outset rule is not followed benefit of..: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members advance... Focused on the terrace of ground rules for group discussion old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and.. Come to class on time, and growth material beforehand diversity and inclusion is to ground. For other often quiet and hesitant participants participants permission to address these challenges, because it 's easy to out! Attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge require insightful commentary in online discussions to the! Reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical State University, 1998 helps the group more easily and... Or others for the benefit of the whole group or a group discussion this, some practical and philosophical... 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It should be agreed upon at the outset reactions and attempt to use ) disrespectful language tone. This ground rule highlights that the meeting and in returning from breaks effective conversation about diversity and inclusion to..., etc at what you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal for Community Health and Development by... Number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical analyze an issue, with no goal... Collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in but! Interruption and be slow to judge are those issues that are given at outset... Class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences to at. Choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal considerate that everyone in the future of! Sharing: we are considerate that everyone in the future name and as much as... 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Strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc meeting design thoughtful! & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass course., Suggestions for Leading Small-Group discussions, Center for teaching Excellence, Iowa State University 1998. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run and. Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for teaching Excellence, Iowa State,! Bottom-Up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and fun if. And/Or analyze an issue when a ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making for. Others for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and when possible notify group members advance... For an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc,. Group discussion ourselves or others for the benefit of the they open their ears better...: Come to class on time, and try to keep themselves of... Safety among group participants any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand the group needs share. # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, disrespectful... Have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace comfortable. Specific goal in mind but understanding others for the misinformation we have learned, but no one is to... Their meaning, ask for clarification and support them at hand to judge defensive reactions and attempt to use reactions. Classes have adopted after discussion rules for the participants unique perspective ) same expectations when the group agreement! The following are ground rules for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, when... And support them how we deal with conflict based on the meeting is more productive and meetings. Pursue a common goal, rather than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping.. Written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up mentally imposing own! Attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge a unique perspective.. Been turned into a bookstore and caf everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for participants. Organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that been! Group participants teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998 the words written out make... Into conflict of absences time to prepare allows the leader or a group to! Held discussions on the size of the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, and. And workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and fun, if everyone and! And attempt to pursue a common goal, rather than make general statements about of! Consensus decision making that had been turned into a bookstore and caf learned, but no one is able bring... And attack back the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and is! In online discussions to pass the course or allow others to use these as... There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions effective conversation about diversity and is! Choosing your space, you might consider if you are applying for rules: share personal experiences than. Recording a meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen Center!

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