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. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. 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. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. 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. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute. 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. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the group Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. 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. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. Services. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Start on a positive note. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race. Be willing to share information. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. Take a break at least every hour. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. 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. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. Do your best to be open and honest during discussions. Leading an effective group discussion takes preparation (if you have the opportunity for it), an understanding of and commitment to an open process, and a willingness to let go of your ego and biases. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. % A way to approach non-participants is to provide opportunities for smaller group discussions or pair-share discussions. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Show GRACE to each other Everyone is at a different place in their journey with Christ. 4 E.L.M.O E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. 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. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. This resource can be used to lead a group discussion about developing ground rules for how primary care team members communicate with each other. Discomfort and silence are ok, but balance with a clearly stated context and purpose. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Speak from your own experience instead of generalizing ("I" instead of "they," "we," and "you"). Thinking Hats Questions Prompt Frame. Establishing ground rules Providing a common basis for understanding Creating a framework for the discussion that maintains focus and flow Including everyone Being an active facilitator Summarizing discussion and gathering student feedback Handling issues that involve the instructor's identity University resources Identifying a clear purpose 10. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. All rights reserved. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. 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. Allow others to share. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. Give everyone an opportunity to share. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Involve students in the creation of guidelines. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Weekly Discussion Guides. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. Ground rules are still important for holding yourself accountable for a positive and productive conversation. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. Nothing said in the group should be discussed outside the group without the permission of those involved. Once stated, anyone in the meeting can say "ELMO!" Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. 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. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Having the words written out may make it easier for a shy or fearful person to speak up. 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 . That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. 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. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. (2001). Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Half the preparation is about knowledge. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. 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. 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. Each person gets a chance to talk. These guidelines, often referred to as "ground rules" or "community norms . . 9. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. Come to class with assignments completed, prepared for discussion. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. . Even after youve wrapped up the discussion, youre not necessarily through. Ground rules (also known as group agreements) help create these feelings from the start. 3. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. Invite inquiry into your views. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. 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. An effective discussion group depends on a leader or facilitator who can guide it through an open process the group chooses what its discussing, if not already determined, discusses it with no expectation of particular conclusions, encourages civil disagreement and argument, and makes sure that every member is included and no one dominates. Listen to each other. xx This ground rule strengthens the importance of being inclusive and making space for other often quiet and hesitant participants. Another is to ask to hold your opinion until the end of the discussion, so as not to influence anyones thinking while its going on. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). 5 Ground Rules for Group Discussion It is vital when you start a new small group to lay down some ground rules, so everyone is on the same page and understand what the group is all about. Fact sheet. 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. Here are several solid ground rules for virtual meetings: 1. (4th edition). This is a clever rule to create equal participation, without directly addressing the problem of a dominant speaker in the group. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations One in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered its output will diminish rapidly heard... 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