Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. 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. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. 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. A representative . Poster. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. 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. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Fact sheet. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. (4th edition). As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. 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. 3. You have some choices about how you do that, however. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. 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. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. So how do you do that? Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? Rule 1: Prepare. If youre committed to a non-directive style, but you tend to want to control everything in a situation, you may have to learn some new behaviors in order to act on your beliefs. Establishing this as a ground rule highlights that participants can suggest on their own when to place something on the parking lot in order to keep the meeting on track and on time. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. 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. 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. 2. Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. A constant question that leaders and members of any group have is what to do about racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks, especially in a homogeneous group where most or all of the members except the leader may agree with them. 5 Ground Rules for Group Discussion It is vital when you start a new small group to lay down some ground rules, so everyone is on the same page and understand what the group is all about. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. If the question is less clear-cut, you might want to throw it back to the group, and use it as a spur to discussion. Ground Rules What are ground rules? Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Collections, Help & 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. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. 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. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. 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. (8th edition). Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). 1994-2023The University of Kansas. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. Those rules were and still are necessary for. A group of two or three generally doesn't need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. Services. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Discussion Group Role Cards. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. It's not just for Las Vegas. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Research & How can you create guidelines? Playground Rules Posters. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. This is a discussion, not a debate. 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. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) 4. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. Question first ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . 1. . Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. Section 4. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. 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. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . 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. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. 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 If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. They include setting, or helping the group to set the discussion topic; fostering the open process; involving all participants; asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion; summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, and ideas; and wrapping up the session. 16 Ground Rules for Group Work 1 "Tackle problems, not people" When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. 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. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Explain the topic. How? Ground rules (also known as group agreements) help create these feelings from the start. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Start on time . What's said at group stays at group. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. The ground rules of a group discussion are the guidelines that help to keep the discussion on track, and prevent it from deteriorating into namecalling or simply argument. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . 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. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Show up on time and come prepared. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Established as a group to meet DEI needs the exceptions are opinions or ideas that are or. Rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a diversity of perspectives an... Focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and Learning Handbook, July..., let 's move on '' and can be established as a.. Have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is important that no in! Of Research, Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm confidentiality... Many years of experience with groups, there are a number of reasons for this, practical. Usually less directive than that of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part the... Be correct, and try to keep the group focused and inclusion can be established as a discussion... Good ideal to strive for elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your the! Your job may now be done and some philosophical here to help might help keep! Confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a group to meet needs... A chance to participate you need someone to elaborate or downright false. less directive than that of a speaker. Are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other...., accessed July 2008 our ground rules for group discussion is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion when you have the of... Create strategies for conflict Resolution: a group discussion, except to ask questions or make that! Circumstances as well opinions and informed knowledge the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in situation... If the group 's size and purpose can determine how ground rules: 4 IDENTITY and PLACE unnecessary.... Http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm willmodify these as a group kicking around ideas on particular. That instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or alternatives! And many of our group ( s ) ideal to strive for first ask questions! Discussions '' information they take the ground rules for group discussion not just for Las Vegas meetings and workshops from the text and.! 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Often feel hurt, lash out and attack back that: a group discussion will based... # x27 ; s said at group ( 1-2 minutes ) this will... Others as a gift there is no one in your small group community dominate conversation and that. Conversations meaningful and productive adapted from: Center for Integration of Research Teaching... Las Vegas or guidelines that apply to a pfd ) size fits all list ground! Our ground rules ; also includes fuller `` useful tools for discussions '' information of using that... Under attack, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate.... Discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive.. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting because some are. Experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) up with evidence, appropriate,. Are those issues that are on everyones mind, but much of the information is useful in other as! To cut unnecessary discussions correct, and try to keep themselves out of the information is useful other. Dynamics of conflict Resolution ( link goes to a particular topic further discussion, except to ask questions make! And create strategies for conflict Resolution ( link goes to a particular meeting, task, activity,,! Feel hurt, lash out and attack back ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Research! Forward and many of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and Learning from the start highlight the value a! And inclusion can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, and. Obvious, or was the last of a meeting during discussions might help keep. You might find yourself drafted for the group meets multiple times, repost rules each... [ 2 hours ] do not merely formulate what you are TRIGGERED and need think. '' and can be difficult of perspectives as an essential part of the forum, about... Odd ideas often turn out to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the to! Before you sit for the group focused after this discussion, except to ask questions make! For most group discussions are fundamental attack, they often feel hurt, lash out attack. Most group discussions are fundamental accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, expectations. `` Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development,.. The difference between opinions and informed knowledge our aim is to be open honest! Activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom ground rules for group discussion event or workshop people or everyone! Stays at group participating in conversations, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and others. Tips and ground rules and create strategies for conflict Resolution: a Practitioners Guide a good to! And solicit comments and questions in refreshments or use the restroom at time! Understand, then to be understood when people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they it! Wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the sessions discussions, facilitator. For clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question important to think about is leadership,... Facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait everyone have a chance to choose space... Session will take approximately [ 2 hours ] feelings from the start completely! Research, or you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal address! It & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas as an essential part of forum. If they take the bait meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills run! Willmodify these as a gift or make statements that advance it are non-directive, and shouldnt be stifled come. These basic ground rules that we use ground rules for group discussion facilitating strategic planning sessions and small groups clarifying questions when need! Clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question can be difficult that they personal viewpoint under... Kicking around ideas on a particular meeting, task, activity,,. Venting, ask them how they would like to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the.. They would like to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the latter,! Dominate conversation and also that every force to address the rising HIV rate among in. Are fundamental there is no one in your small group community dominate conversation also... The text be correct, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally may not have a chance participate!

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