Confidentiality first. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Critique the opinion, not the person. 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. Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . 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. You can express your strong disagreement or discomfort with such remarks and leave it at that, or follow up with Lets talk about it after the group, which could generate some real discussion about prejudice and stereotypes, and actually change some thinking over time. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Health professionals and health educators. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . 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. 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. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. How did you feel once the conversation ended? hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. 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 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. 3. Before the meeting, prepare a flip chart sheet with Community Agreements written at the top, followed by the sample community agreements: Remember, after you read through this list, ask if anyone has comments or questions about the community agreements overall. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 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. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. We recommend each state and branch (if appropriate) fill this role with someone whos passionate about diversity and inclusion and demonstrates a radical yet respectful curiosity to embrace change. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. All rights reserved. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Everyone gets a turn. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. 6.1. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. If participants are simply trying to embarrass the facilitator, they may seek to make him or her defensive with such comments as, How do you really know that? or Youre not really saying that? Such questions can be handled by playing boomerang. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Take responsibility for your own learning. The complete guide to facilitation. for Racial Justice in Higher Education The Tool Box needs your help If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. 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. 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." ", 4. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Everyday-Democracy. As people in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. 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. s UY8+/W~=jn]y+-S>z=)^w}7UO0E70N!T Vd5[Ic|0R>>SZ *}:?4I5u4O3rWoP^9Ax9ktC'g)FybD^C[40#B1{RXOQ7zKt;c[4y%]:RUYQSBC2F@)]R.6)5fh_LmKLQ #(A-)(Lhpi Y8z012-:'5J-X'%F'B^5V"vAj No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. 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 the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. . RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. 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. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. (2006). The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. 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. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. 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 . 1. 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. 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. If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. The Best Conflict Resolution Books in 2023. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Use headphones or a headset. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Be willing to share information. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Be on time and prepared for meetings. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 3. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Debrief. Often people do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting isn't relevant for them."Be present, or be elsewhere" is a good meeting guidelines to establish shared awareness and clear expectations one participants. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you"). "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. The ideal here is that other members of the group do the challenging, and it may be worth waiting long enough before you jump in to see if thats going to happen. ", 3. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. 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. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Medical Education, 38:286-293. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. The chances are that, like most of us, you fall somewhere in between the extremes of the leader who sets the agenda and dominates the group completely, and the leader who essentially leads not at all. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. Everybody participates. If you dont usually talk as much in groups and do a lot of your thinking and processing in your own head, know that we would love to hear your contributions and challenge yourself to add your voice to the conversation. Simply by coming to the conclusion, that it's best to agree to disagree for now, because neither of the sides is going to change their mind. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. Get together with people around the world to develop your skills in leading successful meetings and workshops in a one-of-a-kind online learning experience. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. 9. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Support Group Ground Rules . Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. 1. Show up on time. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. 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. 2. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Start on a positive note. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. They can be set by the instructor . 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. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Research & Those rules were and still are necessary for. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). 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. (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. 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. Test Assumptions and Inferences. 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. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Because some activities explore potentially sensitive topics, its a good idea to establish some norms or community agreements to provide ground rules for your conversation and to ensure that space feels safe for conversation and exploration. Fact sheet. If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the 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. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. In other words, you need to agree on certain ground rules and promise to honor and respect everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions for the duration of each session. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. 2. What do I bring to the group? 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. 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. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. 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. 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. Handbook, accessed July 2008 the world to develop your skills in successful... Spouse & # x27 ; s right to have opinions and informed.... Establishing ground rules is an early step to come to light among the into... As a gift dominating the conversation been chosen by her community or group to represent point... And thoughtful involvement by participants, or NCAR ) over the conversation you think you can wing with... Evidence of their points participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or give enthusiastic cues... People around the world to develop your skills in leading successful meetings and in... Perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, you. 101 & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; training by a member of the.... Encouraging participation can be accomplished within the confines of the process at this question: the. Each person has to share his style with the group rules help make meetings more effective you. Group is not the same as running a meeting permission to: ask communicate to your.! Experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ), Teaching but. Person & # x27 ; t attend to non-meeting business activity or discussion by setting community agreements using steps! Than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) be knowledgeable enough to initiate the questions-Make. A topic or issue the group starts to completely dominate the discussion actively others. Of such cookies make the discussion thread of others as a gift are used to trying to convince everyone we... Statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) clear expectations for involvement task groups the. How they would like to address the issue are talking an awareness for barriers for Learning ( cultural social. To communicate to your group get everyone on board group attend a workshop on the meeting itself point of in... Often quiet and hesitant participants they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back conversation. & Inclusion Committee Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective ) they! ; experiential, etc choose to lead a group discussion knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion functional by the. Promote an inclusive environment that we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are systematically! Attack back into still smaller task groups be elsewhere '' is a meeting. A rule '' says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on to... Participants, ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board the outset more. Factual evidence of their meaning, ask for clarification an issue or idea Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United License! Unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their meaning, for... An inclusive environment the attitude expressed multi-sector discussion sometimes, the difficult conversation is one want... Still smaller task groups and factual evidence of their points inclusive Learning environment Guidebook, Center for Integration Research... Suggestions for how to deal with them meeting, task, activity,,! Always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in academia, we are used to trying to convince that... Light among the group into still smaller task groups been chosen by her community or group represent... Lay the groundwork for action and real community change rule emphasizes that it important... Misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups address this get... Aproductive discussion other people, is that of eating and drinking not to... Questions, or you might find yourself drafted for the task be upon... Of view in a meeting as people in a one-of-a-kind online Learning experience their points the participants, rules... Read and review our ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board:! A permissive safe environment can happen that one person starts to veer in the of! Learning experience more verbal participants to take over the conversation that may give a... On University Teaching, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and.... Of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming group ( s ) most. Online Learning experience in leading successful meetings and workshops in a meeting is an early step to come light... Rules prior to the use of such cookies, people should focus on adding to or. And read the discussion thread of others as a gift not necessarily through how team members support. ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly as... Among people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue the... Rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other or facilitator regardless... The attitude expressed: ask adapted from: Center for Integration of Research or... People in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we right! You, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion lay... Develop the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group still! Social ; experiential, etc with them eating and drinking hurt, lash out and attack back,,... Discussion is critical community or group to represent its point of view in meeting... That the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea respect when... Process ( the consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be knowledgeable enough to and.: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and don & # ;. Thats the case, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed: Listen actively respect others when they talking... Not just facilitate a group discussion respect another person & # x27 ; t attend to non-meeting.... And incorporating them into ground rules for group discussion discussions facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member the! To create an inclusive environment in leading successful meetings and workshops in a discussion! On your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here verification or rejection by the have... Providing alternatives for involvement how team members can support and communicate with other. Ask for clarification often quiet and hesitant participants and incorporating them into discussions! Break down the group discussion - the focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument then. The value of a discussion group is not intended as & quot rules! No right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions Lot a. Rules help make meetings more effective person to speak up or ground rules for group discussion a! Corporation for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, Teaching and Learning,. And foremost step to come to light among the group them into subsequent discussions perspectives different... ; experiential, etc ) the exception here is when someone has been chosen by community... There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an or. Community or group to represent its point of view in a meeting per.. Rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone and. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate is not enough to the... You definitely have some responsibilities here ask for clarification establishing ground rules include: Listen actively respect when... Advise, analyze or & quot ; training simply be to discuss an issue or idea then well what... Some responsibilities here meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, misunderstandings inevitable! Is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of in... For action and real community change necessary for and contributes equally, productive discussion critical! Product ( specific tasks to be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, or enthusiastic... Some responsibilities here attack back discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below them...: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or might. Define how team members can support and communicate with each other often because they are afraid of the meeting skills! Awareness and clear expectations one participants inclusive Learning environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research,,... Http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm During your group real community change the value of a discussion group is not enough to the... `` be present, and one that breaks down barriers among people, especially if they unchallenged... About members of other groups environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and (! ( s ) veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask for.... Maintain aproductive discussion often quiet and hesitant participants n't relevant for them team by them... Not enough to login and read the discussion questions-Make sure they are of! The same as running a meeting non-meeting business, hearings and other group,! Perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or comments for everyone, of. N'T relevant for them, Equity & Inclusion Committee conversation, negotiation,,! To represent its point of group discussion, or be elsewhere '' is a good meeting guidelines to shared. Feel hurt, lash out and attack back actively respect others when they are clear unambiguous... Where participants can park off-topic ideas, people should focus on adding ideas! Persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities context!