Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Come prepared. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. This guide covers a lot of ground. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. The complete guide to facilitation. 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. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, its a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. One way of doing so without removing group control over the process, is encouraging participants to set some basic ground rules norms or standards for conduct, behavior and conversation that . For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed, The discussion is not dominated by any one person, Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities, Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. If youre asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if its a question of fact and you know the answer, and if its relevant to the discussion. Test Assumptions and Inferences. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Half the preparation is about knowledge. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. Medical Education, 38:286-293. Provide the rules in writing. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. 3. ", 4. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. 1. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. 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. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. 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. G.R.O.U.P.S. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. 1. . This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. 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. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Explain the topic. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. 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. Group and Organizational Studies, vol. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. 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. 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. 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. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. 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. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . 9. Confidentiality. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. This list is not a complete list! 1994-2023The University of Kansas. 6.1. The Best Conflict Resolution Books in 2023. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Be solution-focused. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Did you accomplish your goals? Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Start on a positive note. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. Join on time (or early). 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 . You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. 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. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. How can you create guidelines? 5. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. 4. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. (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. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Support Group Ground Rules . After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Start on time . As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. 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. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. 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 The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. 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. Study Circles Resource Center. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. 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. This is a discussion, not a debate. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. 2. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 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. 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. 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