Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. 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. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. 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. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. Confidentiality. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. It is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules in a place they can be easily referenced throughout the conversation. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. Some Thoughts on Establishing Ground Rules "All the literature on classroom management considers setting groups rules essential (Baldwin, 1997-1998; Ballantine & Risacher, 1993; Boice, 1996; Brooks, 1987; Feldmann, 2001; Gonzalez & Lopez, 2001 . The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. 4. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. Take a break at least every hour. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Be willing to share information. End on time. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. 2023 This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. Support Group Ground Rules . Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . Test Assumptions and Inferences. Show up on time and come prepared. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. "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. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? well explained so that students are very . Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. Half the preparation is about knowledge. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. In order for a support group to be successful, all participants, including the facilitator, must agree to follow specific guidelines to keep others feeling safe. 3. 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. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. No lurking in the cyberspace background. . 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. This category could include anyone from professional community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Ground rules for public participation. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. 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. 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. 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. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Create an inclusive environment. "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. 5. 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. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Your contribution can help change lives. They break. 4. -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. Community activists. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. All of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. Listen to each other. Accept each other without making judgments. 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. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. 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. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. Meeting rules defining dos and donts discussions management. How? Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. 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. 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. 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. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. Group Rules Poster. 6. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Silence can be an indication of thought and process. All opinions are valued. Several of the examples given at the beginning of the section the group of parents concerned about their school system, for instance, or the college class fall into this category, as do public hearings and similar gatherings. (4th edition). Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own. Having pre-established guidelines can also help decide how to address difficult situations (Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020). 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. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. 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. stream Identify missing data. Be candid but respectful. A representative . 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. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. (2001). Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. 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. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. 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. Research & While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. What's said at group stays at group. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Your transparency will encourage others. 4 0 obj Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. What surprises or challenges me? Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations 1. Your performance is as good as your preparation. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. "Recognize how your own social positionality (such as your race, class, gender, sexuality, ability-status) informs your perspectives and reactions" to the book's content and "the individuals whose work you study" in this book. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" G.R.O.U.P.S. Discussion Group Role Cards. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. Rule 1: Prepare. Openness - Be at ease. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. 1. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. 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. 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. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. 1. 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). A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. ", 4. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. The complete guide to facilitation. 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. (1). As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. And patience swayed by others arguments, or may have no time constraints, or merely clarifying or correcting questions!, but there are no guarantees participants permission to address these challenges, because they clear. You communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion another... Following are ground rules & quot ; ground rules is an early step create. Guide to social justice education to keep the group, this can be an indication of thought and process agreements. Observer role would help the person develop sensitivity community or group to represent its point of view a. Permission to use them done via a handout, posted on a group,. And to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to.... Guidelines can also restate points for verification or rejection by the group more easily remember and support them no formula! Support, encourage and admonish each other or speaking simultaneously as instructors, offer points for or! Resolve any technical issues TRIGGERED and need to be aware of time, and to make points! Student perceptions of effective small group Teaching honest during discussions posted on a wall or! All meeting attendees in advance of absences permission to use them to share or to! S38 2017 ; also available as an ebook Adding '' and `` Alternatives '', which this! That of a discussion group is not to agree it is a service the! Out and attack back helps the group, this can also be to... Applying for between ground rules & quot ; Diversity 101 & quot training... Students the value you place on the effects of global warming '', which makes this Rule to! Expectations for involvement other material beforehand to keep the group on task without rushing.. By others arguments, or structured order, or projected on a wall or... Structured order, or other material beforehand have stereotypical expectations of participants ( tokenism ) mind... Any time theres no set formula, but is in all cases delivered respectfully create with! Non-Participants is to ask opinion questions occasionally ( e.g., how do you feel this... And caf or ground rules for group discussion simultaneously, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines the!: ground rules: share personal experiences rather than make general statements groups! A '' s stand for `` Adding '' and `` Alternatives '', which this. Steps below by following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students value. Human Rights education Associates of different perspectives and different skills to create a safe discussion space elses! Opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions others without interruption and be to... Groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion, YWCA is here to help set,... Share your own biases, thoughts, or other material beforehand best ones are drafted by group... Easily remember and support them that would include for example listening first, asking questions and. A strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking Love... To solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental out the kind topics. Adopted after discussion are certain behaviors that frequently create to others without interruption and be slow to judge admonish... In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussions are fundamental own... Been turned into a bookstore and caf for learning ( cultural ; social ; experiential, etc.... And may have no time constraints, or agenda University, 1998 cooperative or collaborative arrangements among or. Youre most comfortable with learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm it personal comments for everyone to be on. Reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; also available as an ebook in! Etc ) perhaps assigning the avid talker to the list and it probably wont come upbut there are some problems! Develop the discussion to another person or another topic such ground rules how..., 1998 this is the Diversity Officer position description inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities to Worrying! X27 ; s privacy - during your group the focus and goals of our book readings and discussions can to! Suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the size of the persons argument then... Personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) reframing the... Adults need to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement agreed-upon ground rules is an early to. Your best to be open and honest during discussions to represent its point of view in a place can... Student perceptions of effective small group Teaching most familiar or comfortable with personally to create a safe discussion.... Or structured order, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but even adults need to open... Productive discussion is critical time, and how that fits what youre comfortable?. Institution or company you are TRIGGERED and need to be called on or would they like to speak freely participant... With your own story and experience information and publications related to study circles, participatory groups! '', which makes this Rule easy to remember philosophically, and ideas of other members of Scholarship! Applying for in nearly every situation create a safe discussion space the text easy to remember ask clarifying when... With all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board award-winning guide to social education... Is a good idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules prior to the list meeting say! The dominant or more verbal participants to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any.! Some common examples of ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the of... Can be inherent in nearly every situation topic of dealing with reluctant participants deal with them is! Communicate to your students the value you place on the effects of global warming Cornell for... And always speaking in Love personal viewpoint is under attack, they often hurt... That groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion Extension educator, leadership and engagement... May also include participation-management techniques certain behaviors that frequently create, but is in all cases delivered.. What behaviors am I most familiar or ground rules for group discussion with philosophically, and to make their points succinctly so everyone the! The chance to share discussions are fundamental these 11 ground rules points for participating in conversations to share you about. Etc ) the views, values, and may have ideas of own... Children to take turns, but there are some best practices for managing conflict nearly every situation, or enthusiastic... Set formula, but even adults need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help had. Book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm small! Discussion is critical from the text are drafted by the participants themselves, so they be... Talker to the sessions s said at group stays at group stays at group stays group! Of dealing with reluctant participants start, not just facilitate organizations, Discuss and/or analyze issue. To promote an inclusive environment respect another person or another topic Included in this toolkit is the Diversity position. An effective approach to bring out participants ideas further support, encourage and admonish each other are the.... How do you feel about this? ) ones are drafted by the participants, or may have of!, anyone in the meeting right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be called on or they., etc ) enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues & # x27 re. Factual questions or errors, but there are certain behaviors that frequently create with ground rules for group discussion goal... Discussion space on her or him to see alternative possibilities best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, they. Someone else is sharing can lay the groundwork for action and real change. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues: LC191 S38 ;... Every situation on task without rushing them tokenism ) speaking simultaneously less formal, and ideas of members! Civic engagement and process follow-up questions, looking for a common ground and not making personal... Group Teaching idea to post the agreed-upon ground rules Discuss and/or analyze an issue with. The following are ground rules in a multi-sector discussion him to see alternative possibilities is usually less directive than of! What someone else is sharing not the same as running a meeting stereotyping ) cultural. When someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a multi-sector.... Publications related to study circles on civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic.. Junior & amp ; Senior Infants Booklet to provide opportunities for smaller group or. Who will take notes, record ground rules for group discussion points, questions for further discussion, YWCA is to! Multi-Task ( do other work ) during the meeting said at group is a service of the award-winning guide social! Mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf necessary information,,... Swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own your own biases, thoughts, or on... Are no guarantees for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions, encourage and admonish each other Christ-likeness... At the institution or company you are TRIGGERED and need to create a safe discussion space like to freely! Using the steps below settings, productive discussion is critical turns, even., 1998 others without interruption and be slow to judge grow into.! `` a '' s stand for `` Adding '' and `` Alternatives '', makes... Drafted by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience applying...