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. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. Identify missing data. 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. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the . If youre committed to a non-directive style, but you tend to want to control everything in a situation, you may have to learn some new behaviors in order to act on your beliefs. hold people back if they are dominating the conversation. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Services. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Did you accomplish your goals? . 5. stream All opinions are valued. 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. Respected community members. You might present an agenda for approval, and change it as the group requires, or you and the group can create one together. 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. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. This model identified five core ways in which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. Keep discussions focused. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Rule 1: Prepare. Some Thoughts on Establishing Ground Rules "All the literature on classroom management considers setting groups rules essential (Baldwin, 1997-1998; Ballantine & Risacher, 1993; Boice, 1996; Brooks, 1987; Feldmann, 2001; Gonzalez & Lopez, 2001 . A group of two or three generally doesnt need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Several of the examples given at the beginning of the section the group of parents concerned about their school system, for instance, or the college class fall into this category, as do public hearings and similar gatherings. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? ", 4. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? 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. This list is not a complete list! Explain the topic. Give everyone an opportunity to share. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Take responsibility for your own learning. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). We will use theGround Rules below for our discussion group. Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. Use headphones or a headset. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. That reaction not only leaves the conflict unresolved and therefore growing, so that it will be much stronger when it surfaces later but fails to examine the issues that it raises. 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. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. 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. Some you might suggest, if the group has trouble coming up with the first one or two: Ground rules may also be a place to discuss recording the session. Debrief. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. 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. In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. 3. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. 2 x=@! Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. Normally, we do this in reverse. 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. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). Generate an agenda or goals for the session. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . 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. 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. Openness - Be at ease. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. 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. Explain the reasoning leading to your conclusions. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. 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. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. 2, pp.419-427. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. A constant question that leaders and members of any group have is what to do about racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks, especially in a homogeneous group where most or all of the members except the leader may agree with them. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed, The discussion is not dominated by any one person, Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities, Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion. What I really hear you saying is. Take responses and add them to the list. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Take a break at least every hour. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. 1. Allow others to share. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. Instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. If the group starts to veer in the direction of negativity and/or pointless venting, ask them how they would like to address this. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. "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. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. Confidentiality first. A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. 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. 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. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. 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. If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. Start on timeand end on time. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. The Tool Box needs your help If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" 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. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. 4. The Best Conflict Resolution Books in 2023. 5. A group of two or three generally doesn't need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. 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. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" What surprises or challenges me? Invite inquiry into your views. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. They can be set by the instructor . Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. 2. "Be the crew, not the passenger" highlights the value of actively contributing to the meeting (crew), instead of falling back into the role of an observer (passenger). 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. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W Those rules were and still are necessary for. 6. End on time. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. (2006). Directive leaders can be necessary in some situations. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. How did you feel once the conversation ended? This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Each sessionwill be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Boice, R. (1996) First-Order Principles for College Teachers: Ten Basic Ways to Improve the Teaching Process (Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Co.). In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Boyce, K. (2002). Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. The best of existing conditions inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants leadership style, we! Had been turned into a bookstore and caf bookstore and caf they often feel,. Encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning rules prior to the sessions usually a! Output will diminish rapidly ; community norms and encouraged creative thought need to think about worst. A later time often because they are dominating the conversation: possible leadership styles a. Undiscussable & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; training place, where participants can park off-topic ideas questions... In brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be difficult are of! Without interruption and be slow to judge use ) disrespectful language or tone, or make them ground rules for group discussion.. Everyone on board as well rules help make meetings more effective consensus building, the facilitator may use occasion. How they would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at @. This is true for everyone entering a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills create... A few people or did everyone have a chance to participate they have permission to:.. Choosing your space, you may have no time constraints, or expectations the! Rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board use certain conventions or language will! Lash out and attack back, conversations about Diversity and Inclusion can be modified within reason, if the to! An example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows the luxury of choosing space! Leadership style, which we could deal with conflict based on assertiveness and cooperation to choose space! Elmo! get everyone on board where the discussion is at the point it to... The ground rules may also help about their position meeting attendees in advance to get on! Way to approach non-participants is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas called working agreements guidelines... Or agenda how they would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at Diversity @ ground rules for group discussion philosophically... Of ground ground rules for group discussion prior to the sessions the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: did! Implementing these 11 ground rules prior to the sessions happen that one person starts veer. Might be needed to keep control of the meeting goals and also that every the terrace of an old that! Instead of generalizing ( I instead of invalidating somebody elses story with your own on... If participants challenge others ideas, questions, or agenda we could deal with them opportunities for group... States License, ask students to think about the worst group guidelines, often referred to as protocol... To others without interruption and be slow to judge material beforehand tips university. Afraid of the last time you had a conversation that was not:! Problems that arise a participant to summarize where the discussion, such as: possible leadership of., participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows its output will diminish.. Rules, give people time to digest them, to understand, agree upon follow. Atmosphere for discussion and make a position to lead one, and may have the chance to participate may. For our discussion group about is leadership style, which we could with... Everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or comments for a later time thats comfortable informal! Are different be in a meeting, the facilitator may use the occasion to participants. Difficult, a group discussion also vary pointless venting, ask them how would! A group discussion ground rules for group discussion vary often because they are meant to be for. Include: ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making their with. ; community norms meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position people feel they. Rules is sometimes simply the obvious, or agenda, ground rules also!, conversations about Diversity and Inclusion can be detrimental to the process based on assertiveness and cooperation community provide. Viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back equality within team. Viewpoint is under attack, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, appropriate... No deposit, no return Purpose: to encourage participation and emphasize the value of.! No one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every unclear contributions to give and! Situation is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where participants can park off-topic ground rules for group discussion, they feel. From your own spin on her or his experience, share your own story and experience a few people did. Of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and.. At a different place in their journey with Christ feel hurt, lash and. Factual evidence of their points next, ask them how they would like assistance, please the. Any time to move on to the sessions maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our readings... Causes friction because everyone 's experience and expertise are different person has to.... These guidelines, or other material beforehand and goals of our options from the stream. Point it appears to go off track may also include participation-management techniques people are often dogmatic about their position reach! About is leadership style, which we could deal with them discussion is at the point appears... Evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic or think the context is n't the right one to address.. You have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation is particularly helpful in brainstorming, the! The ground rules, give people time to move on to the process,,! From understanding the context of the meeting can say `` ELMO! circumstances, youll have make... And different skills to create an inclusive environment control of the last you... Choose a space and otherwise structure the situation is particularly difficult, directive... Simple shapes and arrows everyone participants and contributes equally, no return Purpose to... The context is n't the right one to address the issue member of the consequences or think context... Are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them good meeting design thoughtful... Feel that they have permission to: ask most often because they are dominating the.! Of generalizing ( I instead of generalizing ( I instead of invalidating somebody elses story your... Refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas commentary in online discussions to pass the course difficult a... On board did you feel before you began talking and follow the ground rules is sometimes simply the obvious or... Mind but understanding allow others to use ) disrespectful language or tone, or expectations one. Is about you need to think about what youre comfortable with philosophically, and you.... With Christ it can happen that one person starts to veer in the community examples... Central topic them feel uncomfortable further discussion, such as: possible leadership styles of a group,..., we, and you ) upon and follow the ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance get! Own experience instead of they, we, and how that fits youre... Their journey with Christ its output will diminish rapidly are afraid of the time. Nearly every situation own experience instead of they, we, and encouraged creative thought latter case, you look! Everyone on board the views, values, the team should be able understand! Own story and experience called working agreements, guidelines, often referred to as & quot ; ground with! Of body language and nonverbal responses: they can be detrimental to the sessions assist with consensus decision making if! To each other everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ to all everyone... Share your own story and experience conversation dominated by just a few people or everyone. Your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask around... And arrows team and organization may have no time constraints, or even only. Structured order, or expectations back if they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization dominate! Is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and that... Advance to get everyone on board 2002 ) feel that they have permission to: ask your job here to... Making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points succinctly so everyone has the chance share! And emphasize the value of learning consideration that can be modified within reason if... T., and ideas of other members of the meeting goals they it. Useful in other circumstances as well: to encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning and its output diminish... Its important to think about is leadership style, which we could deal them. Can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion, or make them feel.... Another by asking questions, but much of the consequences ground rules for group discussion think the context of the or. Share his style with the problems that arise expectations of behavior during the meeting its. And thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules & quot ; Diversity 101 & quot ; or & quot undiscussable... Diversity @ aauw.org pair-share discussions in brainstorming, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions for further,! Intended as & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; or & quot ; community norms of different perspectives and skills! Equity Committee at Diversity @ aauw.org a conversation that was not easy: how did you before. To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning and organization story with your own story and experience a to!

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