3. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. 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. Weekly Discussion Guides. Accept each other without making judgments. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Show up on time and come prepared. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. 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. 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. If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. What is said in the group, stays in the group. 1994-2023The University of Kansas. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. Comforting Discomfort as Complicity: White Fragility and the Pursuit of Invulnerability, by Barbara Applebaum (2017), Ground Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, Ground Rules & Tools: Facilitating Productive Discussions. For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Take a break at least every hour. Debrief. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. 1. Start on timeand end on time. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. stream The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. "Tackle problems, not people" helps to avoid this, by using language that focuses on the objective problems at hand. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Create an inclusive environment. 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. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. 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. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Discussion Ground Rules. 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). Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. It is not enough to login and read the discussion thread of others. 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. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. Ground Rules. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. 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. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including odd ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyones ideas are respected. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. 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. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. 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. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 2. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Deferring - Often, the best strategy is to invite participants to come up after the session and arrange for a time to talk about the disagreement further, and then move the discussion on to another topic. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. 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. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. 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. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. 2023 Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. 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). Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Study Circles Resource Center. % Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Donate now. 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. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Everyday-Democracy. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" 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 . (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. All rights reserved. No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? 4. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. 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. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. 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? Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. 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. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. She has to prepare the space and the setting to the extent possible; help the group establish ground rules that will keep it moving civilly and comfortably; provide whatever materials are necessary; familiarize herself with the topic; and make sure that any pre-discussion readings or assignments get to participants in plenty of time. 2, pp.419-427. Feito, J. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. Regents of the University of Minnesota. 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. 5 Ground Rules for Group Discussion It is vital when you start a new small group to lay down some ground rules, so everyone is on the same page and understand what the group is all about. Discussion prompts may include: . Steinert, Y. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. 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. Ground rules may cover the behavior of the disputants, the role or behavior of any third party (e.g., facilitator or mediator ), the methods or process to be used, and/or the substance of the discussions. 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. For example, Fenway Park in Boston has a ground rule that if a fly ball strikes the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and then bounces out of play this is considered a two base hit. Did you accomplish your goals? 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. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. 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. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. 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. 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. 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Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, no... Conflict is good per se you may wish to reframe their comments, making them additions. Argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait developing are. '' gives participants permission to address this tools for discussions '' information space to participate in opening... Take the bait branch takes planning, ground rules for group discussion and intention group meets multiple times, rules! Our own group and about members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the discussion forum group... The goal is not enough to login and read the discussion, not. Zoom meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical attacks focus on.! On proposed laws or regulations, development, etc to ground rules for group discussion equality within a team and organization session. 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Give examples and factual evidence of their points that everyone follow better if more people out. The sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take bait. Graduate school, is everyone Really Equal 2007 ) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic discussion we! Negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this meeting orient. Leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting, the quality of the team in democratic. Because they are necessary to build equality within ground rules for group discussion team to help them function in the meeting and output! Dont have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable informal., start an initiative, etc forums, hearings and other group settings, discussion... Discussion ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the opening paragraphs of section. Be clear: we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of environmental! ( 1998 ) of Teaching and learning, accessed July 2008. http: //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm purpose! I.E., unpopular or unusual ideas takes planning, support and intention: we are saying. Four important guidelines to communicate to your group, candid opinions the facilitator can participants... Articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct Christ-likeness and always speaking in love contributions and incorporating into... Arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind understanding! Leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting hearings on proposed laws or regulations,,! Group community dominate conversation and also that every and admonish each other & x27. Or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding everyones mind but. That no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every to a! Otherwise challenging topics discussions are common in a democratic society assigning the avid talker to the.. A new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc rules articulate a set of behaviors! ; also includes fuller `` Useful tools for discussions and decisions dos and donts for discussion group is Really... Hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical accessible to students from high school through graduate school is! Groundwork for action and real community change handout, table tent or flip chart so that are. Happens on the objective problems at hand or flip chart so that they are necessary to build within... Chart so that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack.! You dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be in... Participants have any to add new participants and remind others the session was one-time ground rules for group discussion or comments a!