Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. The ground rules of a group discussion are the guidelines that help to keep the discussion on track, and prevent it from deteriorating into namecalling or simply argument. 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. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. 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. 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. 2, pp.419-427. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. 18 Ground Rules for Group Discussions 1 "Strong opinions, loosely held" 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. 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. Respected community members. 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. The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. End on time. 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. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. 10. Be solution-focused. 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 this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. She or he can lay ground rules for discussion, such as asking participants to focus conflict on ideas rather than people and to resist being judgmental. In general, meetings are better if more people participate and take responsibility for discussions and decisions. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. 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. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. That doesnt mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). Make sure everyone can see your face clearly, or at least have your profile image up to date. How did you feel once the conversation ended? _____________________________, Library Book Discussion Series, Fall2021. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. 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. Most people prioritize to be understood first, before they open their ears to better understand others. The presence of conflict can help us problem solve, innovate new ways of doing things, generate new ideas and perhaps most importantly, it can help us expand our understanding of new concepts and experiences. Come prepared. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. 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. (2001). -Approved Feb. 9, 2007. 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. Boyce, K. (2002). Respect silence: Dont force yourself to fill silence. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Regents of the University of Minnesota. Establishing this as a ground rule highlights that participants can suggest on their own when to place something on the parking lot in order to keep the meeting on track and on time. "/$D~+nJ1L /}4(Rsb` x+yMD iHQEE(Bcu`9Q9^0=3Qoh*V'Bmd`hC/fC`]U66H0Fs1(mh{*W HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. What's said at group stays at group. 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. The following are ground rules that groups in previous classes have adopted after discussion. 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. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. 2 "Disagree without being disagreeable" Donate now. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. Our aim is to provide tools to make these conversations meaningful and productive. Take a break at least every hour. A way to approach the dominant participant and pull in non-participants is to redirect the discussion to another person or another topic. Iowa State University of Science and Technology If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. 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. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. 9. Create an inclusive environment. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. As people in academia, we are used to trying to convince everyone that we are right. 1. G.R.O.U.P.S. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. 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 first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. A good group discussion leader has to pay attention to the process and content of the discussion as well as to the people who make up the group. 3. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. (Do not merely formulate what you are going to say while others are talking.) Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. Ground Rules What are ground rules? A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. 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. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. Create a strategic plan for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. for Racial Justice in Higher Education If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. 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. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. They can be set by the instructor . After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. Community activists. Confidentiality. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Poster. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. . A representative . 2. Perhaps assigning the avid talker to the observer role would help the person develop sensitivity. Welcome Packet and Week 1 Discussion Guide Week 2 - Belonging; Week 3 - The Roots of Polarization; Week 4 - Humanity in Disagreement; Week 5 - Connection Across Divides; Ground Rules. Give all participants a voice- at the start highlight the value of a diversity of perspectives as an essential part of the process. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Everybody participates. Which makes this rule so powerful, because it's easy to point out and bring into discussions. 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