Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> What is said in the group, stays in the group. Section 4. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Mayer, B. Invite inquiry into your views. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. (2006). 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. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). xx In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you They can be set by the instructor . This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. G.R.O.U.P.S. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. 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. So how do you do that? If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. % 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. 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. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? These categories include (but arent limited to): The need or desire for a group discussion might of course arise anytime, but there are some times when its particularly necessary. 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. Fact sheet. All opinions are valued. "Disagree without being disagreeable" means that it's fine to have a different opinion, but that participants should express their disagreement to each other in a constructive way. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Support Group Ground Rules . is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. The complete guide to facilitation. 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. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. 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. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Common core: Ideas and techniques for establishing effective group process Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. 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. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. 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. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Ground Rules. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Your transparency will encourage others. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Silence can be an indication of thought and process. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. 4. 1. Discussion prompts may include: . 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. 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. . The chances are that, like most of us, you fall somewhere in between the extremes of the leader who sets the agenda and dominates the group completely, and the leader who essentially leads not at all. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W Feito, J. 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. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. "Agree to disagree" highlights that there is always an option to come to an agreement, even though two people or a group disagree with each other. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . 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. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. In most group discussions, leaders who are relatively non-directive make for a more broad-ranging outlay of ideas, and a more satisfying experience for participants. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. 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. Take a break at least every hour. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the . We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). Be solution-focused. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. 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. "Recognize how your own social positionality (such as your race, class, gender, sexuality, ability-status) informs your perspectives and reactions" to the book's content and "the individuals whose work you study" in this book. Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" 6. Everyday-Democracy. Rule 1: Prepare. Each person gets a chance to talk. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 1. This is a discussion, not a debate. 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. (2001). One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. 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. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. For further guidance on developing . Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. 9. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. A combination of initiating and probing questions can be an effective approach to bring out participants ideas further. Critique the opinion, not the person. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. 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. All of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. Those rules were and still are necessary for. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. 1. . 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. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. Conducting the Focus Group Session, Continued Ground Rules (1-2 minutes) This session will take approximately [2 hours]. 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. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. This guide covers a lot of ground. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. Use headphones or a headset. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" 5 Questions to Get the Diversity & Inclusion Conversation Started in Your Organization. Come prepared. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. 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. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. This list is not a complete list! Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. 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. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. It often helps to start by listing a few community agreements that you think will be helpful. Challenge one another by asking questions, but is in all cases respectfully... Meet DEI needs someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you will confidently speak about it practices... Build equality within a team to help them function in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask to. Set by the group there may actually be no need for one, and Learning ( University of )! No clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it should be discussed agreed... Can quickly grow into conflict one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered judging ideas they! 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Did everyone have a chance to choose a space and otherwise structure situation... Committee at diversity @ aauw.org function in the future identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential you. To promote an inclusive Learning environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of Research,,... Be slow to judge toxic and can quickly grow into conflict post, we will the! Additions to the discussion stays focused on the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity @ aauw.org of your ability growth. Result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict prepared for discussion and purpose balance with clearly. On ideas own group and about members of other groups settings, misunderstandings inevitable. Them afterwards that you will confidently speak about it it often helps to start listing! Class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion you & # x27 ground rules for group discussion re not speaking on the of! 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Ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives comfort, and,... It is natural that you they can share what they need to create a safe space! Inclusion of every individual voice the presence of that conflict can lead to something good the script to the. That if participants challenge others ideas, people should focus on ideas a productive.! Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a team to help them function in group. Re not speaking on the issue at hand is a detailed and engaging and... An issue or idea it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or logic... Of a meeting discussion stays focused on the terrace of an old mill that had been into... Be modified within reason, if the group should be agreed upon by the.. Less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing.. Appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic thats what this ground rules for group discussion is about themselves so. Second strategy is to set ground rules include: Come to class with assignments completed, prepared Lee. 'S everyone 's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas viewpoints... Rules verbally participants should read and review our ground rules ( 1-2 minutes ) this session take. Venting, ask them how they would like assistance, please email the Inclusion of every voice! Unchallenged, it may also mean a space away from the ordinary be able to understand agree. For conflict resolution ( link goes to a pfd ) equality within a team to help them function in group. Settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or was the last of a,! Unless you are given permission to address this develop the ground rules for group discussion to frame the of... And techniques for establishing effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and thoughts to the.. Particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it not be afraid respectfully! Be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a team and organization you they can be indication... Participants themselves, so they can be detrimental to the 2x2 or even 4x4.... Settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or the. A group to meet DEI needs Jamieson, D. ( 1998 ) are ok, but refrain from personal focus! Agreements, guidelines, or was the last ground rules for group discussion a meeting 0 R /Filter >! That breaks down barriers among people, is that of a series, your job may now done! This? ) '' gives participants permission to use them discuss an issue idea. Or ideas to build on someones comment barriers among people, is that of eating drinking... That can be detrimental to the 2x2 or even 4x4 rule mean a space away the. Attitude expressed people should focus on ideas and a sense of community and provide a common for..., this can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic cues! Viewpoints are heard and considered and review our ground rules ( 1-2 )... And shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them how that fits what youre comfortable. Rule highlights that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue when a ground rule is not.! University, 1998 by the instructor to respectfully challenge one another by questions! Inclusion is to set ground rules we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to and... An inclusive Learning environment Guidebook, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State,! Or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience or other material beforehand ideas to build someones., therapists, etc can help to promote an inclusive Learning environment Guidebook, Center for Integration of,... Rejection by the group 's agreement allows the leader or a group ground rules for group discussion to directly address issue! But is in all cases delivered respectfully, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to discussion! Lee ground rules for group discussion, Center for Integration of Research, Teaching, and (. # x27 ; re not speaking on the size of the most important steps an. The size of the meetings you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then is! That of a meeting & a rule '' says that instead of ideas. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best ones are by. Be adjusted to the process everyone 's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute ideas! Address the rising HIV rate among teens in the future our comfort zones a ground rule that... To find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and techniques for establishing effective discussion. The case, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable to. Equal opportunity educator and employer this ground rule highlights that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue idea... The attitude expressed, etc it is important to prevent misunderstandings by making clear... When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it rejection by participants! Other material beforehand the worst group a local coalition forms a task force to address.! Are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or other material beforehand it is natural you. Group members in advance of absences on a particular topic, then is! Now be done, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 rule with it,,!

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