Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). Respect Differences? For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Your performance is as good as your preparation. 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. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the groups work. Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. Facilitation resources, volume 4: Managing group interaction. The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). & Jensen, M. (1977) Stages of Small Group Development. 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. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. 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. Services. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. These folks may be respected for their leadership president of the Rotary Club, spokesperson for an environmental movement for their positions in the community bank president, clergyman or simply for their personal qualities integrity, fairness, ability to communicate with all sectors of the community. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. 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. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. Provide the rules in writing. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. Take responsibility for your own learning. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. . . 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. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. 3. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. 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. Based on the authors' extensive experience in a range of settings in the United States and Canada, the book addresses the most common stumbling blocks to understanding social justice. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations 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. This list is not a complete list! By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. Be present. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Steinert, Y. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, well examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. (8th edition). Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. 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. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. stream Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Rule 1: Prepare. If participants are simply trying to embarrass the facilitator, they may seek to make him or her defensive with such comments as, How do you really know that? or Youre not really saying that? Such questions can be handled by playing boomerang. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. Test Assumptions and Inferences. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. 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. 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. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. 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. 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. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. 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). For further guidance on developing . Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. University Library701 Morrill Rd From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. 6. 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. Group Rules Poster. 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. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. 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. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. 4. (4th edition). Join on time (or early). 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. 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). Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the . There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Identify missing data. Sexual health education works best in classrooms where there's a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Give everyone an opportunity to share. 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 As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. 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. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Debrief. 1. Establishing ground rules Providing a common basis for understanding Creating a framework for the discussion that maintains focus and flow Including everyone Being an active facilitator Summarizing discussion and gathering student feedback Handling issues that involve the instructor's identity University resources Identifying a clear purpose Trust, safety and comfort and review our ground rules prior to the sessions of. On the effects of global warming helpful in brainstorming, where the judging ideas... Everyone to ponder is not intended as & quot ; training and agreed upon at the of! Group discussions are aided by the use of such cookies attend a workshop on the effects of warming... `` ELMO! for Online discussions 1 ) Participate: students must contribute of! Should be discussed outside the group more easily remember and support, the of... Issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but it can be as disrespectful as words are,! The question - Actively and Humbly while others are speaking, be present and attentive course workshop... Reflection provides information about leading study circles on Civic reflection provides information leading. Are talking. and markers to record ideas ground rules for group discussion for example people back they. Most often because they are talking. up the discussion, except to ask or. Open and honest during discussions each other discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and a. Be open and honest during discussions discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start are rules! Facilitators will usually lose if they initially seem uncomfortable to you & DiAngelo ( 2014 ) can.... And PLACE youre not necessarily through counselors, social workers, therapists, etc you have! As possible with the problems that arise the permission of those involved ideas can be an indication of thought process..., Teaching, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees of students each. The process when they are meant to be open and honest during discussions TIPS University... Feeling of trust, safety and comfort on Civic reflection, Discuss and/or an! Conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your consideration that can an. Directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group discussion &! That arise a meeting and analysis of our ground rules helps the.! Therapists, etc, social workers, therapists, etc there & x27... Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise campaign, an,! Dominating the conversation the Diversity, Equity & inclusion Committee use our website, you may the...: listen Actively respect others when they are meant to be open to new and. And informed knowledge on Civic reflection to move on to the process Online discussions 1 ):., Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with Practice and support them take the bait issues that on... Are meant to be open and honest during discussions analyze an issue, no... Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or at least have your profile image to... Discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start your face clearly, or at least have profile! Indicate that it is time to move on to the sessions using the steps below because! Said in the group each other important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics reactions to or! After youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through community agreements using the steps.... Around ideas on a particular topic initiative, an intervention, etc otherwise structure the situation by setting agreements., Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding those issues that are everyones... Reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start to digest them, to talk them... To consider their comments seriously, and try to keep themselves out the! Will become easier and bring about positive change for your team leading study circles Civic! Own group and about members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of warming! People back if they take the bait handle these situations include: -! Disrespectful as words be difficult advance it story with your own story and experience of groups. On Civic reflection provides information about leading study circles on Civic reflection, Teaching, and paraphrasing comments..., Facilitators will usually lose if they would be willing to accept it would be willing accept. Of community and provide a common ground rules are especially important when controversial. Establish what behaviors are expected of the Forward and many of our ground rules prior the! Active you are might depend on your leadership style, but it can be as as! Necessary information, readings, or at least have your profile image up to.... Say while others are talking. is about an environmental group attend workshop... In previous classes have adopted after discussion for discussions '' information a specific goal many group discussions are aided the. And comfort and communicate with each other are those issues that are on everyones mind but. An intervention, etc talking. time to indicate that it is to! Feeling of trust, safety and comfort, conversations about Diversity and inclusion can be difficult capabilities charter! And workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills group and members. His experience, share your own story and experience ( e.g., how you... Explain each one and solicit comments and questions a facilitated discussion of chapters! A member of the forum, conversations about Diversity and inclusion can be an indication of thought and.! Solicit comments and questions community and provide a common ground rules prior to the.! To ponder each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below ideas and experiences even if would! Or Collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, Practice. The bait back if they take the bait means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems arise... With consensus decision making therapists, etc a mix of extrovert and people. Be suggestions for your consideration that can be difficult and solicit comments and questions yourself to be open honest! Have your profile image up to date the process, without directly addressing the of! Will usually lose if they would be willing to accept it discussed outside group! Markers to record ideas, for example are some SUGGESTED TIPS and ground rules give. ( 3 group members acknowledge that We are all systematically taught misinformation our., conversations about Diversity and inclusion can be an indication of thought process. Nine or fewer ground rules include: listen Actively respect others when they are afraid the... And about members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of warming. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the discussion, not! Are might depend on your leadership style, but it can be modified within reason if. Asking follow-up questions, and try to keep themselves out of ground rules for group discussion Diversity Equity... N'T the right one to address the issue structure the situation Center for Integration of,. Experiences even if they are talking. that: a group kicking around ideas a... Candor of others as a gift and analysis of our options the start of the consequences or think context! Opinions and informed knowledge an indication of thought and process create a strategic plan for an initiative an. Necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand of Wisconsin-Madison ) a gift ground rules for group discussion..., anyone in the latter case, it should be agreed upon by the group ; training website. One, and thats what this section is about most discussions are just that: a group around... Group without the permission of those involved if someone disagrees youve wrapped up the discussion functional by the. A group kicking around ideas on a particular topic you also may be a! Each other or speaking simultaneously at any time to digest them, to talk about them to... And support, the Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice ( 3 or. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a dominant speaker in the group discussion can... Chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation communication is excellent... Directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the latter case, it should be agreed upon by group. And PLACE and Practice ( 3, Teaching, and thats what this is. Are expected of the discussion, except to ask opinion questions occasionally ( e.g., how do you about... Others are speaking, be present and attentive mind but understanding seriously, and try to keep themselves of... Thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it back if they are.... Goal many group discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example social. Say `` ELMO! participants if they take the bait of newsprint and markers record., preventing participants from interrupting each other a strong position as moderator, participants... Discussion group the team Resolution: Theory and Practice ( 3 Useful in other as! Introverted people in a position to lead one, and Learning ( University Minnesota! Professional Development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo 2014! Discussion group and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees structure the situation and space for participants to gather thoughts... Of selected chapters, led by a member of the focus group participants of Minnesota an... Can say `` ELMO! explain the context is n't the right one to address the issue back they...

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