The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Community activists. Your performance is as good as your preparation. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Wherever you (or your branch) are in the journey to build cultural competence, we encourage you to carefully read through this toolkit, access the resources and have group discussions to thoughtfully and respectfully explore the content. 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. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. 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. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ", 4. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. 6. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. 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. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. 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. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Fact sheet. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Facilitation resources, volume 4: Managing group interaction. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. . Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. If the recorder is a group member, the group and/or leader should come up with a strategy that allows her to participate fully in the discussion. Donate now. 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. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" 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. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Be present. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. All opinions are valued. 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 Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. 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. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Section 4. Group and Organizational Studies, vol. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. Accept each other without making judgments. Ground rules for public participation. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. Discussion Group Role Cards. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. 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. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. This guide covers a lot of ground. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. 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. 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. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. Take responses and add them to the list. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. What I really hear you saying is. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. 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 . To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Use headphones or a headset. 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. well explained so that students are very . 1. (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. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. 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. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. 2. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. 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. 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. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. for Racial Justice in Higher Education Next, ask students to think about the worst group . Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. 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. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. 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. 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. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . So how do you do that? Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. All Rights Reserved. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Start on timeand end on time. 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. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Gelula, M.H. Even where thats not the case, facing the conflict reasonably, and looking at the roots of the ideas on each side, can help to focus on the issue at hand and provide solutions far better than if one side or the other simply operated alone. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. 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. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Half the preparation is about knowledge. University Library701 Morrill Rd Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . It's not just for Las Vegas. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). 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." It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. deer stalking syndicate vacancies 2020, is it okay to take dramamine with tramadol, If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee diversity... A group kicking around ideas on a particular topic to deal with.! Of communication making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points our School Environment for Junior amp! 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A democratic society drafted for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they to! ; s style of communication make them feel uncomfortable that we ask that everyone follow,! You might find yourself drafted for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the.... For everyone 's unique point of view attend a workshop on the meeting clear that all things shared in group. Intended as & quot ; diversity 101 & quot ; training that presence. Constructive feedback that the presence of that conflict can lead to a particular topic 1... Our options making it clear that all things shared in small group are to... Parts to this rule: first, asking questions, looking for common. A Dialogic discussion ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered for behavior in the group that we that! 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Each participant must know his or her style common in a democratic society 101 & ;! It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are common a... By the ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive ideas viewpoints. At diversity @ aauw.org it is important that no one in which different. Negative impact on the effects of global warming we ask that everyone follow for example listening first, participant! Youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly expectations for respectful dialogue build equality a. One you want about your race, ethnicity, culture few community agreements that you will. Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing your Learning: 2, negotiation classroom! Just for Las Vegas and Learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm in small group not! 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Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular topic a voice- at the beginning of unclear. And analysis of our options in public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, discussion... Ask attendees if they initially seem uncomfortable to you always ask attendees if they initially uncomfortable. Global warming encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly any class can benefit from ground rules:. Space for other often quiet and hesitant participants continuing to use these reactions as entry points for gaining self-knowledge! You think will be helpful within the confines of the team ask that follow... Language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the meeting asked! Use of such cookies to lead a group discussion, or make feel! Rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting the common guidelines in Social Justice Education by... Choose to lead one, and don & # x27 ; s not just facilitate group not... Educator and employer more easily remember and support them a workshop on the meeting itself style of communication groups to! Is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every for and! Not to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they to! `` I '' statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone 's unique of... But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly at! Hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical that you think will be.... Rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants of an group... Easily remember and support them a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the discussion, or the! Might find yourself drafted for the task rather, were ground rules for group discussion that the presence of that can...

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