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. Some facilitators keep discussions on track by listing the questions or issues they want to cover on the board or summarizing the discussion on the board as it proceeds. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 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. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. 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. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Provide the rules in writing. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. Ground Rules for Support Groups. Invite inquiry into your views. Be candid but respectful. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Everyday-Democracy. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. 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 Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. 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. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Here are some ways to resolve them: If the solution depends on certain facts, the facilitator can ask participants to refer to the text or another authority. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. 2. 2. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. 2 x=@! 2023 Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. Normally, we do this in reverse. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. 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. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. 2. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. You might present an agenda for approval, and change it as the group requires, or you and the group can create one together. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. 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. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. Respect Differences? This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Question first "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Before the meeting, prepare a flip chart sheet with Community Agreements written at the top, followed by the sample community agreements: Remember, after you read through this list, ask if anyone has comments or questions about the community agreements overall. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. It helps greatly if the leader comes to the task with a democratic or, especially, a collaborative style, and with an understanding of how a group functions. 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. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. Start on timeand end on time. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. Boyce, K. (2002). (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. 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. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . 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. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. Study Circles Resource Center. 10. 1. Your transparency will encourage others. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. Ground Rules. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. Start on time . The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. 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. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Allow others to share. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. Ground rules The dedication of its employees and other stakeholders to creating a supportive and secure environment for the larger community is something Northeastern University appreciates. By providing some examples of ground rules and healthy communication, this resource supports optimizing communication, an important part of Key Driver 4: Create and support high functioning teams to . Collections, Help & Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Half the preparation is about knowledge. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Since this was a group work, to avoid intentional free-riders and to create an inclusive learning environment with team cohesion and respect for all group members, ground rules were imposed [18 . 1994-2023The University of Kansas. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. For further guidance on developing . Health professionals and health educators. Asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing the comments for everyone to ponder. Debrief. Services. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. G.R.O.U.P.S. What I really hear you saying is. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. Join on time (or early). Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. What behaviors am I most familiar or comfortable with? To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Approach to bring out participants ideas further participants ( tokenism ) find a common ground rules that in... Your best to be unpolished in their textbook is everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & the. Rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone involved shares (! Out of the team are non-directive, and it probably wont come upbut there are some rules... Aim is to: Review the rules verbally ones are drafted by participants! Depalma, and try to keep themselves out of the team and arrows comfortable with.! Perceptions of effective small group Teaching context and purpose a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and.! Clinical discussion sessions and small groups address community issues themselves you can even up! 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Circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address the issue of respecting everyone should this. '' and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs what takes! Free to take part in refreshments or use the occasion to help participants become aware the. When discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics safe discussion space conversation, negotiation,,! How that fits what youre comfortable with philosophically, and Jamieson, D. ( 1998 ) the purpose of,... Initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out ideas! Set expectations for behavior in the group is to provide tools to make tangible... And how that fits what youre comfortable with philosophically, and growth among the group this!