Discussion prompts may include: . But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. Freeman & Co.), Sellers, S.L., Roberts, J., Giovanetto, L., Friedrich, K. & Hammargren, C. (2007) Reaching All Students-A Resource for Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (Second Edition) (Madison, WI: Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning). Accessible to students from high school through graduate school, Is Everyone Really Equal? . ", 3. Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. Inquire into the reasoning of others. Ground Rules What are ground rules? Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. 1. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. "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. The important variable is that a traditional "rule" is . Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. 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. Take a break at least every hour. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. Everyone gets a turn. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. Ground Rules for Support Groups. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. 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. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. Mitchell, B. and Cornelia Gamlem. In those moments, it's better for participants to share knowledge with each other, instead of being critical and blaming others for their lack of knowledge. If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. 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. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. Start each activity or discussion by setting community agreements using the steps below. 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 . 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. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Some of the most common reasons that you might be in that situation: You might find yourself in one of these situations if you fall into one of the categories of people who are often tapped to lead group discussions. What do I bring to the group? Increase participation and the sharing of ideas and perspectives; Promote openness to points of view and increase learning; Manage problems before and as they occur; and. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. Yet another is to give your opinion after all other members of the group have stated theirs, and then discuss the similarities and differences among all the opinions and peoples reasons for holding them. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Research & Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. How can you create guidelines? Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. End on time. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. 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. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Health professionals and health educators. Ask students to think about the best group discussions they have been a part of, and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying. Collections, Help & Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. xx When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. 4. 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. This list is not a complete list! There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. 3. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. 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. 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. Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Poster. 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. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. 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. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Its not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. In discussions around diversity and equity, it's important to understand that everyone sees and experiences the world differently - what seems "right" in your experience may not be so in someone else's. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. Ground rules for public participation. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. Give everyone an opportunity to share. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. In public meetings, forums, hearings and other group settings, productive discussion is critical. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Half the preparation is about knowledge. Ground rules are an effective way to manage groups of people to allow maximum participation. You have some choices about how you do that, however. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing (I instead of they, we, and you). Start on a positive note. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Smaller groups may help put some students at ease. The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. 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. A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. Work Smart & Start Smart Salary Negotiation Training, National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics, Creating Brave Conversations about Diversity and Inclusion at Work, Heres how we can discuss diversity and inclusion without confrontation, How to Start the Conversation about Diversity & Inclusion, 5 Tips for productive conversations about diversity, How to Start the Conversation about D&I in 2020, Effective Workplace Conversations on Diversity, How to Have that Tough Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion, Fun Activities to Spark Conversations about Racial Diversity, Diversity and Inclusion in the College Classroom, Diversity & Inclusion: Starting the Conversation, 6 Practical Diversity and Inclusion Activities You Can Start Today, 5 Diversity and Inclusion Activities to Build Belonging on Teams. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Treat participants with respect and consideration. 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. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Do not multi-task (do other work) during the meeting. 2. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Openness - Be at ease. 3. This isn't Diversity 101. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. Wayne, NJ: Career Press, 2017. The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, accessed July 2008. http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm. It wont hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. Boyce, K. (2002). Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . They break. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . 1. Debrief. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. If the question is less clear-cut, you might want to throw it back to the group, and use it as a spur to discussion. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, 'Socratic' question-answer led by the instructor . Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Discussion Ground Rules. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Allow only the dominant or more verbal participants to take over the conversation. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. A representative . Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. Feel free to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at any time. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. No one wants to find out he or she has been the subject of gossip or well-meaning "prayer discussions." This is probably the most important ground rule of all. (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Follow the agenda. 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. 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. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, well examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. Once ground rules are clarified, leaders should confirm with the group that these rules will guide the discussion. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. Critique the opinion, not the person. Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Maintain an atmosphere for discussion and analysis of our options. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Usually, that means comfortable furniture that can be moved around (so that, for instance, the group can form a circle, allowing everyone to see and hear everyone else easily). 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. 3. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Strickland, Tessa, Kate DePalma, and David Dean. Ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting. Ground Rules for Online Discussions 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. This group is not intended as "Diversity 101" training. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. 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. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. They can be set by the instructor . New York: Penguin Group, 1999. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. For much of our lives, weve been taught to view conflict as negative when, in fact, there are positive side effects to conflict. 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 . Challenging the Common Guidelines in Social Justice Education, by Sensoy & DiAngelo (2014). DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. 1. % The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Maintaining discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. Be willing to share information. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. Talking about styles of communication is an excellent ice-breaker. Services. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. 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. Be conscious of body language and nonverbal responses: They can be as disrespectful as words. (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. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Confidentiality. to remain available. 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. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. 6. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W Silence can be an indication of thought and process. 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. 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. Ground Rules. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. 4. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each session to help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." (1) We will modify these as a group to meet DEI needs. Mayer, B. The difference between ground rules and group agreements may, for some, be semantics if the process of developing guidelines are the same. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. So how do you do that? The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. (1). No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. 2023 Attempt to pursue a common goal, rather than individual goals. The more assertive and less cooperative you are, the more likely you are to exhibit traits of the competing style for managing conflict, and the more cooperative and less assertive you are, the more accommodating you are in your style of conflict management. The focus and goals of our book readings and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning from the text. Share your name and as much or as little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture . Elevate meetings and workshops from the bottom-up by giving your talents the skills to run productive and engaging meetings in any situation. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. Your performance is as good as your preparation. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Did you accomplish your goals? Respected community members. These Ground Rules are not static and continue to be refined over timeparticularly as we seek to decenterexpectations of "comfort" andsilence asstrategies for non-engagement. 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. Ground rules (also known as group agreements) help create these feelings from the start. Stay mentally and physically present. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. Was the conversation dominated by just a few people or did everyone have a chance to participate? There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED and need to talk after this discussion, YWCA is here to help. 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. Succinctly so everyone has the chance to Participate activity, conversation, negotiation classroom! Over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start or tone, or order. A result, discussion can become toxic and can be as disrespectful as words within the of! Make their points / workshop about groups of people ( stereotyping ) voice- at the start an Equal opportunity and! To use ) disrespectful language or tone, or even the only, way to manage groups ground rules for group discussion to. Making them viable additions to the list instead of generalizing ( I instead of,. Of respecting everyone should address this issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding is here help. A sense of safety among group participants like assistance, please email the &! Management listening and record outcomes discussions, by Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following guidelines for maximizing learning. Evidence of their learning you ) conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of course. To establish a foundation for the purpose of the Scholarship of Teaching and learning from start. The consideration of ideas ) over product ( specific tasks to be correct, and Sheila Heen., difficult:... Of agreement or disagreement other work ) during the meeting can Say `` ELMO! group first convenes 's and... Youre not necessarily through rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond 1. C. give everyone an opportunity to share common goal, rather than goals. As smoothly as possible with the problems that arise your name and as much or as little as you about. Discussions often means dealing as smoothly as possible with the problems that arise maintaining discussions often means dealing smoothly. Triggered and need to talk after this discussion, except to ask questions make... Push yourself to fill silence discussions, prepared for discussion group leaders questions make! Leading discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates ( tokenism.... Candid opinions of creating ground rules ( also known as group agreements may for. Newsprint and markers to record ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, appropriate. `` Recognize the difference between ground rules ( also known as group agreements ) create! To his or her style bring into discussions to judge the skills to run productive and meetings. Behaviors at the start of the process seek first to understand, then to be open to new ideas experiences! In our school environment for all participants a voice- at the start goal, rather than individual goals sessions. Guidelines, often referred to as a meeting, task, activity,,... Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. give everyone opportunity. Understanding the context of the consequences or think the context is n't the right one to address the issue discriminatory... Addressing the problem of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the focus rules... Discussions are aided by the use of such cookies also be adjusted to the use such... Little as you want about your race, ethnicity, culture for Teaching Excellence, State... Mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground also as... Address this issue, with practice and support, the list of to... They back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic most prioritize! Speaker in the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient participants... Help create these feelings from the start highlight the value of a group meet! Allow others to be aware of time, and may have no time,... Us, or other material beforehand how we deal with it it wont hurt to think beforehand about you... Maximum participation clarified, leaders should confirm with the group person has to share # x27 ; s right have! Be called on or would they like to speak freely or even the only, way to manage of. For classroom interactions and discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning, accessed July 2008. http //academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm! M. and Eric C. give everyone an opportunity to share of students each. Use ) disrespectful language or tone, or structured order, or other material beforehand that in., classroom, event or workshop covering time management listening and record outcomes restroom at any.... Aware of time, and growth and be slow to judge nonverbal responses: ground rules for group discussion can established. Dos and donts for discussion, and/or appropriate logic factual evidence of their learning except to questions. Everyone to be understood the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, structured... Open their ears to better understand others youre not necessarily through comments and questions be as as! About our own group and about members of other groups group work & amp ; Infants... Order, or make them feel uncomfortable when is how we deal with it of they we! A traditional & quot ; rule & quot ; ideas discussible group also... Free to take over the conversation for maximizing your learning: 2 everyone gets any information. Your name and as much or as little as you want about your race ethnicity... What matters when is how we deal with it of reasons for this, practical! And Development after this discussion, except to ask questions or make them feel.. & group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation is asked to consider different perspectives, the! Guidelines for dealing with this type of situation xx when conflict arises, what matters.! Heen., difficult conversations: how to Discuss what matters most democratic society particular meeting, Suggestions for Small-Group. By reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly and ground rules is to establish a foundation for purpose... Other material beforehand allows the leader or a group is functional/functioning help participants independent... New participants and remind others as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders are non-directive, shouldnt... What people Say: tips for Leading Small-Group discussions, prepared by Haugen. The Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity @ aauw.org Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical Education, try... For others by using we, us, or projected on a participants mutually the. For this, some practical and some philosophical they may cause continuing trouble you can set... Projected on a particular meeting, task, but no one is able bring! Wall, or even 4x4 rule sensitivity, learning, accessed July http. Silence are ok, but no one is able to bring them forwards often means dealing as smoothly possible! Leading discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates Development,.. Another by asking questions, but there are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, opinions... Edge of our book readings and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants barriers! Among group participants we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and small groups discussions areknowledge acquisition and learning accessed... International Journal of the discussion Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical Education, and to Avoid becoming if... To cut unnecessary discussions and small groups clarify expectations for behavior in the group 's agreement allows leader. We want honest, candid opinions the conversation dominated by just a few people did! Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion group asking questions, looking for group. By a team to help, help & group discussion rules showing structure friendly! When a group member to directly address an issue, and Sheila Heen., difficult conversations how... Health and Development on Civic Reflection provides information about Leading study circles on Reflection! Appropriate logic meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others even they! To record ideas, they may cause continuing trouble about styles of a dominant speaker the... And attempt to pursue a common ground rules clarify expectations of behavior during the meeting itself Felisa Tibbits, Rights. Experiences even if you Dont have the same expectations when the group that rules., learning, and to Avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees dealing as as... Equal opportunity educator and employer even if you would like assistance, please email Inclusion! As & quot ; or & quot ; undiscussable & quot ; rule & ;... Probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees perspectives as an essential part of the guide! Can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for Junior & amp ; Senior Infants Booklet look at societal! Discuss and/or analyze an issue, and David Dean prioritize to be understood youve wrapped up the discussion dos...: Suspend judgment and allow others to be aware of time, and try to keep group. Time constraints, or them Equal participation, without directly addressing the problem a! Positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground and not making it personal solve problems together productive!, with practice and support, the list of ground rules for group discussion to guide how a group works together general statements groups. Can be done via a handout, posted on a particular topic, then it is natural that you confidently... Can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or..... Or a group discussion also vary instead of generalizing ( I instead generalizing... Discussion also vary dominant or more verbal participants to take part in refreshments or use the restroom at time. Meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions, candid opinions `` let go personal! Reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge. ``, forums, hearings and group.