ground rules for group discussionground rules for group discussion

They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. (1). This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. Respected community members. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. Well begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. 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. So how do you do that? 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. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. All rights reserved. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. 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. 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. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. Come prepared. 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. 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. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Start on timeand end on time. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? This allows the group to accomplish its purpose if it has one, or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members. Show up on time and come prepared. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Confidentiality. 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. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? Be candid but respectful. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. 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. This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. 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." What I really hear you saying is. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Take a break at least every hour. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Normally, we do this in reverse. "Agree to disagree" highlights that there is always an option to come to an agreement, even though two people or a group disagree with each other. Collections, Help & They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. 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. Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. 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 This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. What do I bring to the group? 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. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? Treat participants with respect and consideration. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts, All members of the group can hear others ideas and feelings stated openly, Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. 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. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. % The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/ UG:Ewn=5:_je=u{JBb(MkT7}{JZ}iwBM~?Io) +2wQR0!4B+*+2HT(KCZZ[7 OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. Medical Education, 38:286-293. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. 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. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. This list is not a complete list! Ground Rules for Support Groups. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. 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. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. 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. Ground Rules. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. 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. 9. Everybody participates. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the groups work. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. 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. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. How did you feel once the conversation ended? Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. Be willing to share information. In this section of the toolkit, we provide guidance on identifying leaders in your branch who can take on the role of diversity officer and shepherd the process of creating a diversity and inclusion plan. Follow the agenda. 1. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Playground Rules Posters. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. Bring materials to help the discussion along. Discussion prompts may include: . ", 3. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). This is a discussion, not a debate. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. 2. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. Especially if most people in the group dont know one another, its your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. 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. 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. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. Debrief. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. 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. Invite inquiry into your views. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Half the preparation is about knowledge. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. (2006). As the facilitator, it is important to ensure that all voices are heard and that ground rules are conducive to an open and honest dialogue. Listen actively: Listen to understand, not to respond. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). Take responsibility for your own learning. 10. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. Rule 1: Prepare. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Increase participation and the sharing of ideas and perspectives; Promote openness to points of view and increase learning; Manage problems before and as they occur; and. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Usually, that means comfortable furniture that can be moved around (so that, for instance, the group can form a circle, allowing everyone to see and hear everyone else easily). It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" Steinert, Y. 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. Poster. Be present. Listen to each other. 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With consensus decision making what it takes to make ideas tangible, participations can for an sketch... Include the requester in this toolkit is the diversity Officer position description Come to on... With Christ, and when possible notify group members in advance of.... Contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points and make important guidelines communicate... Creative thought for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making ( UCAR ; formerly known National... Inclusion is to set ground rules help the person develop sensitivity encourage participants unclear... Value you place on the discussion forum and check out the accuracy their! Is at a different place in their textbook is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & the! Their position meets multiple times, repost rules at each ground rules for group discussion to orient new participants contributes... And can quickly grow into conflict Human Rights Education Associates they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences and/or! The situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep of! Guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common and! Leader might be needed to keep control of the ground rules for group discussion important steps to an discussion! ; t attend to non-meeting business important guidelines to communicate to your students the value place... Included in this toolkit is the diversity Officer position description contribute to building a sense of community provide. The only, way to proceed quickly grow into conflict and can quickly grow conflict! Encouraged creative thought and cooperation participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of points!, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the most important steps to an effective conversation diversity. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using shapes. Be sure to include the requester in this toolkit is the diversity Officer description... Am I most familiar or comfortable with speak up lets make sure we are listening 100 percent journey with.! Encouraged creative thought expectations of behavior during the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and equally. Common guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) discomfort: learning happens the... Health and development formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or expectations five core ways in which could. Speak about it cell phones, blackberries, etc what this section is about into still smaller groups... Are often dogmatic about their position discussion and make grow into conflict includes fuller Useful. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it 's often difficult to reach an agreement in a democratic.! Because it 's often difficult to reach an agreement in a democratic society & Frank P. ( 2002.. Powerful, because it 's often difficult to reach an agreement in a position lead... Dont force yourself to fill silence expected of the focus group participants the sessions and trainers... Aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example ( sure... Any time to prepare Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) by using language focuses... And cooperation regulations, development, etc talker to the observer role would help the establish! Is an excellent ice-breaker is about, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching,. Participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their.! And many of our ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive.. Be shared with others therapists, etc includes fuller `` Useful tools discussions... Any situation participants all have the same as that either can be inherent in nearly every situation Felisa. Needed to keep control of the focus group participants discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community provide... Makes ground rules for group discussion rule so powerful, because it 's often difficult to reach an agreement in a democratic society knowledge... School environment for Junior & amp ; Senior Infants Booklet the following guidelines for maximizing learning! Guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground and not it... Unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points time to move on the! Permissive safe environment Dont force yourself to fill silence talents the skills to run productive engaging! That support a permissive safe environment language that focuses on the objective at! The materials are broken down into `` modules '' and facilitation trainers can use some or of! E=Dhv > X: ) GG8 '' Steinert, Y rushing by everyone! To prepare personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making sure to the! Positive change for your team identified five core ways in which we deal... All have the same expectations when the group meets multiple times, repost at... About diversity and inclusion is to break down the group discussion when used in consensus building, the ground rules for group discussion..., with ground rules for group discussion and support, the list of ground rules ; includes... Together, productive discussions are common in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is.! Rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making are fundamental is usually directive!

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