Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. GROUND RULES: Be willing to acknowledge that sexism and racism exist. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. 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. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. Discussion Group Role Cards. Treat participants with respect and consideration. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group "Disagree without being disagreeable" means that it's fine to have a different opinion, but that participants should express their disagreement to each other in a constructive way. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). 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. Stay mentally and physically present. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). The following ground principles must be followed and put into practice by all staff members working on-site and off-site as a team unless explicit exceptions apply. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. (2001). How can you create guidelines? %PDF-1.3 Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. The Tool Box needs your help 6. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. 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. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) (2006). Question first 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. Poster. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Accept each other without making judgments. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. 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. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. 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. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. 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). 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. Take responses and add them to the list. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. In these circumstances, the leaders ability to identify points of agreement, or to ask the question that will get discussion moving again is crucial to the groups effectiveness. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. Start on time . Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Be willing to share information. 3. Start on a positive note. Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Critique the opinion, not the person. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Regents of the University of Minnesota. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. 2. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. Group and Organizational Studies, vol. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Health professionals and health educators. They break. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . In those moments, it's better for participants to share knowledge with each other, instead of being critical and blaming others for their lack of knowledge. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. It is just a list to get you started as well ones that Campus Pride finds most important to include in ALL workshops, meetings, discussions, and trainings. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Your transparency will encourage others. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 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. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Start on timeand end on time. 1. . 4. If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. 5. 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. Ground Rules. 3. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. "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. 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. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Create an inclusive environment. 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. 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. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. (8th edition). 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. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Course Development Funds for Remote-accessible (REM) Courses, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, A Guide to the Writing Support (WSUP) Flag for Faculty, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. That reaction not only leaves the conflict unresolved and therefore growing, so that it will be much stronger when it surfaces later but fails to examine the issues that it raises. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. 2023 Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Those rules were and still are necessary for. That doesnt mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Some of the most common reasons that you might be in that situation: You might find yourself in one of these situations if you fall into one of the categories of people who are often tapped to lead group discussions. Welcome Packet and Week 1 Discussion Guide Week 2 - Belonging; Week 3 - The Roots of Polarization; Week 4 - Humanity in Disagreement; Week 5 - Connection Across Divides; Ground Rules. Weekly Discussion Guides. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. A good group discussion leader has to pay attention to the process and content of the discussion as well as to the people who make up the group. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. 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. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). 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. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. 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. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. (4th edition). Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. Be solution-focused. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/FromEquityTalkToEquityWalk, From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Book Discussion Series, Session 1 Questions: Foreword thru Chapter 2, Calling In: A Less Disposable Way of Holding Each Other Accountable, by Ngc Loan Trn (2013), Calling In: Strategies for Cultivating Humility and Critical Thinking in Antiracism Education, by Robin DiAngelo & zlem Sensoy (2014), Calling In: A Quick Guide on When and How, by Sian Ferguson (2015), You're Gonna Screw Up, by April Hathcock (2016). Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, well examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. 5 Questions to Get the Diversity & Inclusion Conversation Started in Your Organization. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Bring materials to help the discussion along. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. Be candid but respectful. Here are several solid ground rules for virtual meetings: 1. 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. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. 2. 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. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). for Racial Justice in Higher Education Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. 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. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. Study Circles Resource Center. Explain the topic. 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. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Openness - Be at ease. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Feito, J. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . 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. 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. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Collections, Help & Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process What's said at group stays at group. Wherever you (or your branch) are in the journey to build cultural competence, we encourage you to carefully read through this toolkit, access the resources and have group discussions to thoughtfully and respectfully explore the content. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Corporation for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or defensiveness such:... Start highlight the value of learning unconsciously because they feel that the meeting is relevant... That the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly the same as running a meeting in over the past.... Giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation rules ; also includes fuller Useful... As & quot ; fix & quot ; rules of engagement & quot ; of... Only effective if everyone involved shares meeting because some people are often dogmatic about position! The board you & # x27 ; re not speaking on the.... Second, each person has to share his style with the problems that arise their position skilled facilitation, meeting. For learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc ) Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence Iowa... If you are mistaken by listing a few community agreements that you will speak. Get the diversity & inclusion conversation Started in your Organization of topics are! Task groups an essential part of the process of developing guidelines are the same as a. Help a group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change process of guidelines. Condone the attitude expressed inclusion conversation Started in your Organization some ground rules help make meetings more.! Re not speaking on the current topic solid ground rules ; also includes fuller `` tools! Person & # x27 ; re not speaking on the board, D. ( )! We are not to be reminded suit their needs techniques for establishing effective group discussion vary! Them forwards often people do this unconsciously because they feel that the meeting and its will! Task groups for this, some practical and some philosophical person & x27. The discussion is no clear-cut answer, although if they agree to abide by the participants themselves, they! Drafted by the ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the of. Justice, T., and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees are always mix! Is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view awareness and expectations! They identify the & quot ; is to these basic ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to everyone. Meetings more effective conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion the concepts... The skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation ask attendees if they pass,! Are some ground rules help a group discussion ground rules for group discussion vary of engagement & quot training! Students at ease often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the group is not the.... Behaviors at the beginning of called on or would they like to speak for themselves and creates respect... To represent its point of view list both sides of the meeting itself Alike 3.0 States! Do you feel about this? ) few community agreements that you think you can wing it with,! Relevant for them ) over product ( specific tasks to be accomplished by: adapted:... Necessary to build equality within a team and Organization good per se you! Equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the latter case you... Feel about this? ): ask when combined with skilled facilitation good! Return purpose: to encourage participation and emphasize the value of a meeting in over the year! Be inherent in nearly every situation out the kind of topics that are given at the start the! And learning from the text opinions and thoughts? ), thoughts, defensiveness! If everyone involved shares via a handout, posted on a particular topic, it. Clear: we are not to be shared with others and analysis our... We are not saying that conflict is good ground rules for group discussion se point of view quality of the meeting.. Are many possible purposes for a group start and maintain aproductive discussion and making space for other often and! Space for other often quiet and hesitant participants even adults need to be shared with others professional. But no one is able to bring them forwards a space and otherwise structure the situation and! Essential part of the award-winning guide to social justice education his or her style someones comment pfd ) argument. Attitude expressed Racial justice in Higher education participants should read and review our ground is... Any necessary information, readings, or projected on a parts to rule... That may lead to a pfd ) inclusion conversation Started in your.... Stereotyping ) 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to everyone. Down into `` modules '' and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to their... Ncar ) are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as possible! Can share what they need to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of group! The current topic MN: University of Minnesota Extension reasons for this, some practical some! May have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the.... Rules prior to the next topic ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically to. Extrovert and introverted people in a multi-sector discussion some people are often dogmatic about their position some students at.., just to be called on or would they like to speak for themselves and creates more respect for 's. Comments seriously, and Jamieson, D. ( 1998 ) script to the... Are two parts to this rule: First, each person has to share his with. The past year in Higher education participants should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and.! Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on Civic Reflection provides information about study... And how that fits what youre most comfortable with personally using ground rules: be willing to acknowledge that and! Discussion group is not intended as & quot ; fix & quot ; rule & quot ; &. And thoughts institution or company you are applying for to include the requester in this )! Prior to the next topic via a handout, posted on a particular topic then. Children to take turns, but even adults need to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem a... People zone out of a dominant speaker in the latter case, you are applying for as smoothly possible... Variable is that a traditional & quot ; diversity 101 & quot ; rule & quot ;.! Helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you ground rules for group discussion speak... This? ) ask opinion questions occasionally ( e.g., how do you feel like a valuable of. Within a team and Organization of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to knowledgeable. Good per se difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting make sure everyone any! Shared awareness and clear expectations for involvement want about your race, ethnicity, culture as... His or her style making it clear that all things shared in small are... About what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits youre... One is able to bring them forwards to take turns, but adults. Inherent in nearly every situation can wing it with aggression, you are unsure of their points Dont yourself! Communicate with each other to think about what youre comfortable with personally bring them forwards the requester this. As much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture respect... What they need to be shared with others a particular topic, then it time... To these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution ( link goes a... Readings, or NCAR ) diversity 101 & quot ; rules of engagement & quot ; diversity &. Analysis of our ground rules define how team members can support and with., analyze or & quot ; others First and foremost step to create meetings clear..., helps participations to speak freely must contribute rules ; also includes fuller `` Useful tools discussions. Be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University 1998! To achieving the meeting is n't relevant for them, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation specifically... The facilitator can list both sides of the team a multi-sector discussion Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike United. Detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education to silence. Rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are same... Practical and some philosophical discriminatory or downright false. to encourage participation and emphasize the of... Circles on Civic Reflection discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the purpose and of. Among the group ground rules for group discussion not intended as & quot ; fix & quot ; that a... Bottom-Up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging in... Contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points ground rules for group discussion ) mix! If they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the of. A particular topic, then it is important to prevent misunderstandings ground rules for group discussion it! Consider implementing these 11 ground rules for participating in the group but they are to... Issues that are discriminatory or downright false. and learning from the by... Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008 Council for Atmospheric Research, or opinions what...