(Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. It is important to ensure that the response is rational and balanced and deals with the conflict in an efficient way so we can restore our focus on the task at hand. for Racial Justice in Higher Education This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. You have some choices about how you do that, however. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. Identify missing data. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. ", 4. Donate now. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. 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. 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. 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. 4. This is especially true when the group is stuck, either because two opposing ideas or factions are at an impasse, or because no one is able or willing to say anything. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. These categories include (but arent limited to): The need or desire for a group discussion might of course arise anytime, but there are some times when its particularly necessary. In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, its a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. Usually, a group discussion will be based around a central topic. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Services. Treat participants with respect and consideration. 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 other words, you need to agree on certain ground rules and promise to honor and respect everyones thoughts, ideas and opinions for the duration of each session. 2 x=@! Provide opportunities for participants to pair-share. 4 0 obj All rights reserved. The complete guide to facilitation. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Facilitators might also ask one or more members of the group to act as observers for a few sessions, reporting back their observations to the group. 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. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. Members new to these issues are encouraged to spend time . 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. 6. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). 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. 2023 Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. Tuckman, B. We will use theGround Rules below for our discussion group. 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. G.R.O.U.P.S. Accept each other without making judgments. 5. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. (8th edition). Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Medical Education, 38:286-293. After proposing this list of ground rules, give people time to digest them, to talk about them, to understand them. All Rights Reserved. The following ground principles must be followed and put into practice by all staff members working on-site and off-site as a team unless explicit exceptions apply. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Ground rules are an effective way to manage groups of people to allow maximum participation. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. Enter the room a few minutes early to resolve any technical issues. 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. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. 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. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. Speak from the I perspective: Avoid speaking for others by using we, us, or them.. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. 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. Ko=jmc X2AH#AP15n$WTtVkV^/ UG:Ewn=5:_je=u{JBb(MkT7}{JZ}iwBM~?Io) +2wQR0!4B+*+2HT(KCZZ[7 OMUnuSN?eR8GV^Rg5)r,c}^`}I E{?Nt ;zroW,DCx0liO'/&wML0XPrcJts[5;]2^lL`cbcbEKeiVRDX]q. Request that if participants challenge others ideas, they back it up with evidence, appropriate experiences, and/or appropriate logic. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. 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. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. (4th edition). Be solution-focused. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. Surgical Neurology, 47:400-403. Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. 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. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. 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 . By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Its important to think about what youre most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what youre comfortable with personally. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. (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. But they are necessary to build equality within a team and organization. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. 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 . In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. "Recognize the difference between opinions and informed knowledge. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. ISU's principles address Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and respectful expression of ideas. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. 5. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. Section 4. 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. Openly and honestly communicate with everyone. Ground Rules for Support Groups. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. 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