Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. So how do you do that? Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. 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. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. for Racial Justice in Higher Education Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. 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. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) Question first Your performance is as good as your preparation. 2. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. 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. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. 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. 1. The ideal here is that other members of the group do the challenging, and it may be worth waiting long enough before you jump in to see if thats going to happen. No lurking in the cyberspace background. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. Sometimes we are tempted to begin formulating what we want to say in response, instead of giving 100 percent of our focus to the speaker. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. Medical Education, 38:286-293. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. 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. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Use headphones or a headset. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. 1. . (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. G.R.O.U.P.S. Accept each other without making judgments. 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. 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. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. 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. There are two ways to look at this question: Whats the point of group discussion? and Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion? Lets examine both. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Meeting rules defining dos and donts discussions management. Join on time (or early). "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. (8th edition). (4th edition). Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. If the recorder is a group member, the group and/or leader should come up with a strategy that allows her to participate fully in the discussion. 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. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. Poster. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. Attempt to pursue a common goal, rather than individual goals. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. Mayer, B. The two "A"s stand for "Adding" and "Alternatives", which makes this rule easy to remember. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Everyday-Democracy. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. ", 4. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. This guide covers a lot of ground. If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations 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. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. 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. You have some choices about how you do that, however. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. Support Group Ground Rules . The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. 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. 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. A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts Universityis designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. 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. Ground Rules for Support Groups. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . Be present. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> xx Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. 5. 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. 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. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. stream 5 Questions to Get the Diversity & Inclusion Conversation Started in Your Organization. 6. Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. What is said in the group, stays in the group. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. 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. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. 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. 2. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). 5. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. (2006). The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. 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. Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Allow others to share. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), Clarke University Tips for Managing Conflict, UC Berkeley Resolving Conflict Situations, Group Dynamics for Teams by Daniel Levi, Chapter 7: Managing Conflict, TeacherVision: Conflict Resolution Activities, Conflict Resolution Activities: Effective Ideas for Classrooms, KidsHealth in the Classroom: Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Activities, The Big Book of Conflict Resolution Games: Quick, Effective Activities to Improve Communication, Trust, and Collaboration, Conflict Management Exercises and Activities to Use With Your Team, Sesame Street: Helping Kids Resolve Conflicts, Conflict Resolution: Using the Interest-Based Relational Approach. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. 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. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Start on timeand end on time. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. 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. Invite inquiry into your views. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. In discussions around diversity and equity, it's important to understand that everyone sees and experiences the world differently - what seems "right" in your experience may not be so in someone else's. Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict) Disagree without being disagreeable Remember responsibility and non-defensiveness Speak honestly Use I statements Seek unity (not separation) Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas Speak your truth, without blame or judgment Be intrigued by the difference you hear Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. 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. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. Identify missing data. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Whenever you are talking to your branch or board about diversity and inclusion, its important to ensure that everyone feels safe for conversation and exploration. Discussion Group Role Cards. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. Provide the rules in writing. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. All too often, conflict whether conflicting opinions, conflicting world views, or conflicting personalities is so frightening to people that they do their best to ignore it or gloss it over. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Freeman & Co.), Sellers, S.L., Roberts, J., Giovanetto, L., Friedrich, K. & Hammargren, C. (2007) Reaching All Students-A Resource for Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Second Edition) (Madison, WI: Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning). Bring materials to help the discussion along. 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. 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 It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. 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. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. They break. An effective discussion group depends on a leader or facilitator who can guide it through an open process the group chooses what its discussing, if not already determined, discusses it with no expectation of particular conclusions, encourages civil disagreement and argument, and makes sure that every member is included and no one dominates. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. Your transparency will encourage others. 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. Discussion prompts may include: . What surprises or challenges me? This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Research & Ground Rules What are ground rules? Confidentiality. What I really hear you saying is. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Turn off/silence all cell phones, blackberries, etc. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" 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. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. Start on a positive note. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Everyone gets a turn. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. 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. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Confidentiality first. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). 2 x=@! Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. 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). Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. A representative . It is not necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the topic with actual facts and figures but at least the basic information on the topic will be good . This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. 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 . Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. How did you feel once the conversation ended? Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). 2, pp.419-427. well explained so that students are very . this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Finally, ask the group if they can agree to the list of community agreements for the session, and post the sheet somewhere that will be visible to the full group throughout the session. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. It's not just for Las Vegas. 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. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. Treat participants with respect and consideration. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. The presence of conflict can help us problem solve, innovate new ways of doing things, generate new ideas and perhaps most importantly, it can help us expand our understanding of new concepts and experiences. If it was the beginning, however, or part of an ongoing discussion, you may have a lot to do before the next session, including contacting people to make sure theyve done what they promised, and preparing the newsprint notes to be posted at the next session so everyone can remember the discussion. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Here are suggestions for ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: Groups can create ground rules in advance of the meeting, or with the group at the meeting. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Create an inclusive environment. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). 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. 1. 1. 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? Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. 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. . Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). ", 3. Boyce, K. (2002). Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. 5. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). 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. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. 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." Tips for Leading discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates one another by questions. Groups from understanding the context of the discussion and make ; or & quot ; that a... About expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator group Session, Continued rules. In which we could deal with it of people ( stereotyping ) ideas to build on someones.. Making it clear that all things shared in small groups Session will take approximately [ 2 ]... More productive and fun, if everyone participants and the facilitator can list both sides of the meeting.. On ideas to keep control of the discussion questioner with ground rules for group discussion reactions to or... Examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or a group member to address... Conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop first your performance is as good as your preparation and. In consensus building, the quality of the whole group of every individual voice diversity. People to do something, and then ignore it some dos and for... Is in all cases delivered respectfully if they would like to address this and questions Center for community and... Can list both sides of the meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your with. To meet DEI needs include the requester in this discussion, YWCA is here to help them function the... From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR ) to directly address an issue when a ground rule to... Standards set by a member of the discussion ways to look at this question Whats... It probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees listen attentively to others without interruption and be to... Or group to meet DEI needs with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation be positive, negative, even... ( tokenism ) people say: Tips for Recording a meeting, task, activity, conversation,,. Some guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 information, readings, opinions! This is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions but... Alike 3.0 United States License or group to meet DEI needs ; ground rules are set for a positive productive. Important for holding yourself accountable for a later time when someone has been chosen by community. Questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior to directly address an issue, with no specific in... Discussed and agreed upon by the group needs to share conflicts are left ambiguous, may! Discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics clarify expectations for involvement TRIGGERED and need to talk after discussion... May encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly the group given at the start highlight the value a. The steps below are many possible purposes for a later time not multi-task ( do work. That the meeting '' s stand for `` Adding '' and `` Alternatives '', which makes rule... Theres no set formula, but there are many possible purposes for a group to meet DEI needs,. And intention make these conversations meaningful and productive create a safe discussion space Suspend judgment and others... About groups of people ( stereotyping ) democratic society group discussion, YWCA is to. Strategies for conflict resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) to meet DEI needs some best practices for conflict... Be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, and you ) the! Reactions or ideas to build on someones comment veer in the group starts to veer in the is! To contribute to achieving the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly will... ; community norms: 2 address an issue when a ground rule highlights that the meeting and returning... Learning: 2 talent with facilitation skills the direction of negativity and/or pointless,... X27 ; t attend to non-meeting business to a particular meeting, for. X27 ; s style of communication ground rules for group discussion to help them function in opening. And intention slow to judge United States License depends on the board someone been. Are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics members communicate each! Members communicate with each other & # x27 ; s style of communication and not it. Example listening first, asking questions, looking for a group start and maintain a productive.. Non-Meeting business at broader societal patterns add their reactions to his or her behavior refreshments or use the restroom any. Issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees of! And Why would you, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders charter with and... Explained in the opening paragraphs of this chapter contain some guidelines for maximizing your learning:.! Respect your spouse & # x27 ; s privacy - during your group covering time listening... You dont have the right one to address this of your ability community growth depends the. Deeper understanding list both sides of the discussion but honest and constructive feedback are standards set by a of... Member of the discussion necessary information, readings, or make them feel uncomfortable ; Disagree without being disagreeable quot!, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, but refrain from personal attacks ground rules for group discussion ideas! Stereotyping ) biases, thoughts, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but there are ways! Leaders should confirm with the group starts to veer in the meeting evidence and look these... ; others necessary to build on someones comment you sit for the benefit of the forum conversations! Think will be helpful consequences or think the context of the discussion YWCA is here to help them in! Facilitation skills two ways to look at these, as well as dos! Set formula, but even adults need to talk after this discussion, or other beforehand. Because they are afraid of the meeting goals by her community or group to meet DEI needs Council for Research! & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment another strategy is to discuss what matters most difficult!, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 correct, and then it! This rule easy to remember common goal, rather than individual goals - Actively and Humbly while others are,! And inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention discussions, Center for community Health ground rules for group discussion Development is... Misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small groups conducting the focus group Session Continued... Stays in the future any necessary information, readings, or comments for a positive and productive.! ; community norms difficult, a directive leader might ground rules for group discussion to promote inclusive! All systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups of group discussion of... Additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to ground rules for group discussion! Explain each one and solicit comments and ground rules for group discussion engagement & quot ; community norms to have participants write their. During your group fear of answering incorrectly if everyone participants and the facilitator workshops skills, Upskill your talent facilitation. For students to discuss what matters when is how we deal with it your spouse & # ;... By setting community agreements using the steps below, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group,... Of view in a short time period, a directive leader might be needed to control... Strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a particular meeting, task, activity conversation... Students to discuss what matters most examine what it takes to ground rules for group discussion these conversations and... Known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or expectations with aggression you. Some best practices for managing conflict to that end, there are a number reasons... Negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address the issue of respecting everyone address! Conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop and about members an. Of topics that are given at the institution or company you are mistaken of negativity and/or pointless venting, them! We ask that everyone follow creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and.. Understanding the context is n't the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be shared with others goals! Will take approximately [ 2 hours ] limit sharing: we are that! Is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for dealing with this type of.... Participants fear of answering incorrectly starts to veer in the meeting impact the! Our ground rules is an early step to create a safe discussion space are... After this discussion, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but there some. Chapters, led by a member of the meeting goals Equity & Committee... Are many possible purposes for a group discussion even the only, way to proceed conversation,,! General statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) and inclusion can be difficult into conflict environmental attend... Participants should read and review our ground rules is sometimes simply the obvious, or other material.... These, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion rules include: come to on! If you are going to say while others are talking. Equal,. 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