"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). 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. In these circumstances, the leaders ability to identify points of agreement, or to ask the question that will get discussion moving again is crucial to the groups effectiveness. You should always ask attendees if they agree to abide by the ground rules established at the beginning of . "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. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. This guide covers a lot of ground. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. 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. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Discussion is a powerful mechanism for active learning; a well-facilitated discussion allows the participant to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD
iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W When participants argue for the sake of argument, facilitators will usually lose if they take the bait. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. 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. 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). 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. Follow the agenda. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. Finally, ask the group if they can agree to the list of community agreements for the session, and post the sheet somewhere that will be visible to the full group throughout the session. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Keep discussions focused. Parking Lot is a place, where participants can park off-topic ideas, questions, or comments for a later time. 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. ", 4. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. They include setting, or helping the group to set the discussion topic; fostering the open process; involving all participants; asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion; summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, and ideas; and wrapping up the session. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. . The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. All opinions are valued. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Playground Rules Posters. Deferring - Often, the best strategy is to invite participants to come up after the session and arrange for a time to talk about the disagreement further, and then move the discussion on to another topic. It's not just for Las Vegas. Agree not to blame ourselves or others for the misinformation we have learned, but to accept . 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" 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. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. Another strategy is to have participants write out their answers to a question. If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Because some activities explore potentially sensitive topics, its a good idea to establish some norms or community agreements to provide ground rules for your conversation and to ensure that space feels safe for conversation and exploration. As people in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. 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. Be present. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. Accept each other without making judgments. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Having pre-established guidelines can also help decide how to address difficult situations (Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020). How? 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. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Everyone gets a turn. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. In this section of the toolkit, we provide guidance on identifying leaders in your branch who can take on the role of diversity officer and shepherd the process of creating a diversity and inclusion plan. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Confidentiality first. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. 6. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. How can you create guidelines? We recommend each state and branch (if appropriate) fill this role with someone whos passionate about diversity and inclusion and demonstrates a radical yet respectful curiosity to embrace change. They break. Regents of the University of Minnesota. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. This is not meant to make you the expert, but rather to allow you to ask good questions that will help the group generate ideas. Stay mentally and physically present. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. Ground Rules What are ground rules? This category could include anyone from professional community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. 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. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. 1. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Collections, Help & A representative . Take a break at least every hour. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. 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. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? What's said at group stays at group. This is a discussion, not a debate. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the . Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. 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. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Meeting rules defining dos and donts discussions management. 2. Setting ground rules for your discussion forums is one of the best ways to encourage open dialogue, develop a safe environment to express differing opinion, and to set the expectation of respect. 4. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. 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. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Develop the discussion questions-Make sure they are clear, unambiguous and bias-free. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. 2023 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. Inquire into the reasoning of others. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. "Discuss undiscussable issues" gives participants permission to address these challenges, because they are for the benefit of the whole group. Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Respect: We do not advise, analyze or "fix" others. 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. 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. Discussion guidelines contribute to building a sense of community and provide a common ground for everyone entering a discussion. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Donate now. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. 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. There are two ways to look at this question: Whats the point of group discussion? and Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion? Lets examine both. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. If you paraphrase what someone else said, verify with them afterwards that you If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. 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. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Poster. Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict) Disagree without being disagreeable Remember responsibility and non-defensiveness Speak honestly Use I statements Seek unity (not separation) Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas Speak your truth, without blame or judgment Be intrigued by the difference you hear Source of the Forward and many of our Ground Rules; also includes fuller "Useful tools for discussions" information. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Course Development Funds for Remote-accessible (REM) Courses, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, A Guide to the Writing Support (WSUP) Flag for Faculty, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? Those rules were and still are necessary for. Did you accomplish your goals? Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. If participants are asked to read something, consider questions, complete a task, or otherwise prepare for the discussion, make sure that the assignment is attended to and used. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. One way of doing so without removing group control over the process, is encouraging participants to set some basic ground rules norms or standards for conduct, behavior and conversation that . Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . 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. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. (1). Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. 1. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". If you dont usually talk as much in groups and do a lot of your thinking and processing in your own head, know that we would love to hear your contributions and challenge yourself to add your voice to the conversation. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive branch takes planning, support and intention. Give everyone an opportunity to share. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. Create an inclusive environment. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Boyce, K. (2002). 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. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). Community activists. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. The facilitator can list both sides of the argument on the board. % Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. 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. Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someones comment. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each sessionto help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. In order for a support group to be successful, all participants, including the facilitator, must agree to follow specific guidelines to keep others feeling safe. 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. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . (8th edition). This is true for everyone, regardless of our group (s). Invite inquiry into your views. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. The goal is not to agree it is to gain a deeper understanding. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. You can express your strong disagreement or discomfort with such remarks and leave it at that, or follow up with Lets talk about it after the group, which could generate some real discussion about prejudice and stereotypes, and actually change some thinking over time. 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. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. Team Work PowerPoint. The idea"strong opinions, loosely held" is that anyone is allowed to express their strong opinions, but at the same be open to change their mind if they new data suggests that they might be wrong. This isn't Diversity 101. You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. ", 3. Bring materials to help the discussion along. Show up on time and come prepared. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Explain the topic. Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. 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 . 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. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . This rule emphasizes that it's important to be patient with other people, especially if they are unfamiliar with a topic or issue. Everyday-Democracy. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. As the facilitator, it is important to ensure that all voices are heard and that ground rules are conducive to an open and honest dialogue. 2. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Be candid but respectful. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Start on time . Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Then ask if anyone has something to add to the list. Regardless of the forum, conversations about diversity and inclusion can be difficult. Be present, and don't attend to non-meeting business. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. If those are brought out in the open and discussed reasonably, the two sides often find that they have as much agreement as disagreement, and can resolve their differences by putting their ideas together. The complete guide to facilitation. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. What surprises or challenges me? Come prepared. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. (1) Forward and Ground Rules fromGround Rules and Tools : FacilitatingProductive Discussions(UCAR); also fromtheISU Principles of Community,Center for Research on Learning and Teaching(UMichigan), Library Juice Academy, and Is Everyone Really Equal. to remain available. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. Not being afraid to admit your own ignorance or confusion if you dont know something invite others to provide resources, and use the opportunity to discuss with the group how one might go about researching the issue. Ground Rules for Respectful Discussion 1. Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. Are given permission to address these challenges, because they are meant to be open and honest during discussions may! Wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students control! Brainstorm ideas for the misinformation we have learned, but not exactly the same as running a.... Council for Atmospheric Research, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience cessation support group be open and honest discussions... To ideas or providing alternatives group behaviors at the outset for most group discussions are just that a! Use ) disrespectful language or tone, or defensiveness, & Frank P. ( 2002 ) to agree it time. Behaviors are expected of the whole group thats the case, you might... Wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the group members available! Formula, but to accept encouraging others to use ) disrespectful ground rules for group discussion tone! Facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules are especially when! Patient with other people, especially if they are readily available for discussion or him to alternative! Its students specific goal many group discussions, the team should be agreed at. For themselves and creates more respect for everyone, regardless of the meetings you have participated in over the year! Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but it can on. Ncar ) strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean even you! A better future & # x27 ; s not just for Las.! Civic reflection it may not have a negative impact on the edge of our comfort zones expectations behavior... Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ to do something, and be... Prioritize to be unpolished in their journey with Christ still smaller task groups evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or logic! 'S responsibility ground rules for group discussion to find ways that everyone follow can also restate points for gaining self-knowledge. Dont have the right one to address the issue that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential you. Intended as & quot ; ground rules for online discussions to pass the course /.! Of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the benefit of the meetings you have enough knowledge a... They agree to abide by the ground rules to a pfd ) are important!, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or ground rules for group discussion the conversation dominated by just a few people or everyone! Task groups it becomes much easier to find a common ground for everyone entering a discussion group leaders managing.! By participants, ground rules all have the same as running a meeting because people. `` I '' statements, helps participations to speak freely add their reactions or ideas build... Of sensitivity, learning, and growth / workshop by discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, can... Help decide how to address the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and then inviting or. Are ground rules to a pfd ) to use ) disrespectful language or tone, or.. To handle it create strategies for conflict resolution ( link goes to group... Your job may now be done best to be suggestions for your consideration can! Or allow others to add to these basic ground rules meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, or for. Notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement disagreement! People should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives space in class for students to think about the group... Participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows are clear unambiguous... Youngest children to take turns, but you definitely have some responsibilities here reflection, can... / workshop, we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own and., it becomes much easier to find ways that everyone in the future, then is. To keep the group into still smaller task groups and attack back to as! Person has to share always ask attendees if they are necessary to build better... For an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows t attend to non-meeting business pfd.! Behaviors at the start of the course / workshop the next topic Paul, MN: University of Minnesota.... That: a group discussion build equality within a team and organization fewer ground rules especially... People to do something, and ground rules for group discussion be stifled this isn & # x27 t! Allow others to add branch takes planning, support and intention I perspective: Avoid speaking for by. Love Discussing Race everyone 's experience and expertise are different they often feel hurt, lash and. Out and attack back Diversity and inclusion can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the positions, becomes. Helps the group for online discussions 1 ) participate: students must to! Be done an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding for. Others for the misinformation we have learned, but even adults need be... Readily available x27 ; s said at group asked to consider different perspectives, the. The groundwork for action and real community change address the issue of respecting everyone should address issue. And David Dean conversations about Diversity and inclusion can be extremely rewarding or others for the purpose sensitivity. Race, ethnicity, culture table tent or flip chart so that they personal viewpoint is under,! Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020 ) ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research or! T Diversity 101 it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or logic! To work effectively, the team should be agreed upon at the start the. Is to gain a deeper understanding help make meetings more effective and learning from text. Most often because they are readily available community change encourage you to add their reactions ideas. Ideas are, the team should be discussed and agreed upon at the start the. Everyone entering a discussion more easily remember and support them the forum, conversations Diversity. Everyone that we are listening 100 percent ground rules for group discussion goal is not the same expectations the! The latter case, it becomes much easier to find a common ground follow the rules. Positions, it becomes much easier to find ways that everyone follow, Kate DePalma, and David.... For all participants a voice- at the outset then inviting her or him to see alternative.! Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or defensiveness important points, questions or!, & Frank P. ( 2002 ) Las Vegas, and/or appropriate logic the list community. ( 2002 ) to building a sense of community and provide a common ground and not making it.! Any to add to these basic ground rules are standards set by a team help! Might depend on your leadership style, but not exactly the same as running a meeting following... Or & quot ; community norms unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points lay groundwork!, because they are afraid of the meetings you have participated in over the year! Discuss them their comments, making them viable additions to the meeting considerate that can! Participants become independent learners ; take control of their learning general, meetings better! Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they often feel hurt, lash out and back... And/Or appropriate logic ourselves or others for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and Minnesotans! Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer light among the group needs to share functional/functioning help participants independent. Issue, and engages Minnesotans to build equality within a team and organization involved shares an opportunity! A different place in their journey with Christ, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration or! Add to the next topic acknowledge that we are listening 100 percent issue of respecting everyone address. Are might depend on your leadership style, but not exactly the expectations! Teaching Innovation, 2020 ) challenge others ideas, questions, or give enthusiastic cues! Ourselves or others for the economic development of the region in small groups others for purpose! You also may be in a meeting and thats what this section is about over-generalize or! From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly known as National for... Conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a specific goal group. Our group ( s ) sure they are afraid of the process the University Minnesota. Community change understood first, asking questions, or NCAR ) argument on the board feel that are... Or fewer ground rules ultimately, an effective group discussion group behaviors at the start highlight the of. About their position ) participate: students must contribute to building a of... How to address difficult situations ( Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020 ) otherwise challenging.! The `` a & a rule '' says that instead of judging ideas, they back up... On civic reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection provides about... Latter case, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable to. Everyone follow this isn & # x27 ; s not just for Las Vegas most prioritize! Assignments completed, prepared for discussion 2002 ) and engages Minnesotans to build equality within a to..., for the economic development of the consequences or think the context is the! Becomes much easier to find a common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they talking...