Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. You might present an agenda for approval, and change it as the group requires, or you and the group can create one together. Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. 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. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. Did you feel like a valuable member of the team? It's not just for Las Vegas. Do not be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by asking questions, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. The facilitator can encourage participants making unclear contributions to give examples and factual evidence of their points. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. Donate now. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Build trust and a sense of safety among group participants. Most often because they are afraid of the consequences or think the context isn't the right one to address the issue. 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. E.L.M.O stands for "Enough, let's move on" and can be established as a meeting rule to cut unnecessary discussions. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Provide sufficient time and space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to discussions. The more people zone out of a meeting, the quality of the meeting and its output will diminish rapidly. No deposit, no return Purpose: To encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> For example, Fenway Park in Boston has a ground rule that if a fly ball strikes the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and then bounces out of play this is considered a two base hit. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. 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. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. 1. "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). 12 Ground Rules for Online Discussions Participate: This is a shared learning environment. 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. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . It may not have a specific goal many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. 2, pp.419-427. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. So how do you do that? Remind everyone to be aware of time, and to make their points succinctly so everyone has the chance to share. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. Ground Rules What are ground rules? Identify missing data. Special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. Ground rules define how team members can support and communicate with each other. Some examples are to: participate actively speak one at a time treat everyone's ideas with respect-don't criticize minimize side conversations Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. Your contribution can help change lives. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. 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. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. 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. Discussion Ground Rules. It is not necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the topic with actual facts and figures but at least the basic information on the topic will be good . Discussion Group Role Cards. 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. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language or tone, or disrespectful non-verbal communication. Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. Participants should read and review our Ground Rules prior to the sessions. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. The facilitator might say, What Im saying is, but now I'd like you to share your perspective. Turning the question back to the questioner forces him or her to take responsibility for his or her opinion. Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. Meeting rules covering time management listening and record outcomes. Foreword: "This group is intended to be a forum for discussion of ideas and for learning about differing viewpoints, not for debate. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Ground Rules for Group Discussion Listen with respect. This may encourage participation by reducing participants fear of answering incorrectly. Bring materials to help the discussion along. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. 2. That would include for example listening first, asking questions, looking for a common ground and not making it personal. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Gelula, M.H. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Boyce, K. (2002). DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. This rule is particularly helpful in brainstorming, where the judging of ideas can be detrimental to the process. Participate to the fullest of your ability community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. 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. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. 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. The exception here is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a multi-sector discussion. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldnt be stifled. No lurking in the cyberspace background. 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. If youre committed to a non-directive style, but you tend to want to control everything in a situation, you may have to learn some new behaviors in order to act on your beliefs. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. Conversation ground rules can be found here. Fact sheet. Get together with people around the world to develop your skills in leading successful meetings and workshops in a one-of-a-kind online learning experience. 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. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. A second strategy is to ask opinion questions occasionally (e.g., How do you feel about this?). For further guidance on developing . If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. (2006). 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. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. University Library701 Morrill Rd Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Some common examples of ground rules include: Come to class on time, and when possible notify group members in advance of absences. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . 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. 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 40 Form-Time Discussion Starters. 1. Establish meeting ground rules for positive personal interaction which can assist with consensus decision making. Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. If the question is one of values, the facilitator may use the occasion to help participants become aware of the values involved. S E=dHv>X:)GG8" 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. Come prepared. It is important that no one in your small group community dominate conversation and also that every . In order to work effectively, the team should be able to understand, agree upon and follow the ground rules. The facilitator can also restate points for verification or rejection by the participants, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues and patience. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. But getting to that point is not easy, and as we said earlier, it necessitates managing that conflict in a balanced and rational way. Everybody participates. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. . Mayer, B. 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. 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. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. 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. The term ground rules was originally used to describe the rules of baseball that teams agreed to use in a particular venue, or grounds. Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the discussion. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. 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. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. 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. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioners Guide. (Be sure to include the requester in this discussion). Poster. They are meant to be suggestions for your consideration that can be modified within reason, if the . 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. Community activists. 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. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. (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. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Everyone gets a turn. Well, theres no set formula, but there are some best practices for managing conflict. However, any class can benefit from ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). Generate an agenda or goals for the session. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. Everyone is asked to consider different perspectives, for the purpose of sensitivity, learning, and growth. 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. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. The Tool Box needs your help 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. All too often, conflict whether conflicting opinions, conflicting world views, or conflicting personalities is so frightening to people that they do their best to ignore it or gloss it over. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. All Rights Reserved. Health professionals and health educators. 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. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. 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. Based on the size of the group, this can also be adjusted to the 2x2 or even 4x4 Rule. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Go over constructive and destructive group behaviors at the start of the course / workshop. Discourage alternate views or counter-arguments. If you are unsure of their meaning, ask for clarification. Participants or students who attack often want attention, so simply giving them some recognition while firmly moving on often takes care of the problem. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. (1997) Clinical discussion sessions and small groups. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). 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. to remain available. 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. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. Your ground rules the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue, and it probably wont come upbut there are no guarantees. % Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Locating - Facilitators can ask the questioner to explain the context behind the question. They can be set by the instructor . It's often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position. There is no one size fits all list of ground rules. Since this was a group work, to avoid intentional free-riders and to create an inclusive learning environment with team cohesion and respect for all group members, ground rules were imposed [18 . Try to keep the group on task without rushing them. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. "Let go of personal anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns. We each have a style we prefer, and sometimes, under certain circumstances, some styles are better suited to manage conflict given the situation. 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. 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. Share feelings and experiences, but not advice. 2 x=@! Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), Clarke University Tips for Managing Conflict, UC Berkeley Resolving Conflict Situations, Group Dynamics for Teams by Daniel Levi, Chapter 7: Managing Conflict, TeacherVision: Conflict Resolution Activities, Conflict Resolution Activities: Effective Ideas for Classrooms, KidsHealth in the Classroom: Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Activities, The Big Book of Conflict Resolution Games: Quick, Effective Activities to Improve Communication, Trust, and Collaboration, Conflict Management Exercises and Activities to Use With Your Team, Sesame Street: Helping Kids Resolve Conflicts, Conflict Resolution: Using the Interest-Based Relational Approach. 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. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . 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. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. Encouraging participation can be accomplished by: adapted from: Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning Handbook, accessed July 2008. 5. 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. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. Make the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to the group. Ames, IA 50011-2102, Copyright 1995-2019 Weekly Discussion Guides. Establish ground rules: Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). %PDF-1.3 Follow the agenda. We support, encourage and admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. This is a discussion, not a debate. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. However, with practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your team. Do group members want to be called on or would they like to speak freely? Be on time and prepared for meetings. Create space in class for students to discuss in small groups. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. The complete guide to facilitation. Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups. 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 . The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. 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. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. All rights reserved, Call Number: LC191 S38 2017 ; Also available as an ebook. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . That may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not. She has to prepare the space and the setting to the extent possible; help the group establish ground rules that will keep it moving civilly and comfortably; provide whatever materials are necessary; familiarize herself with the topic; and make sure that any pre-discussion readings or assignments get to participants in plenty of time. 2. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Sexual health education works best in classrooms where there's a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Respect your spouse's privacy - During your Group . 2. This can be done via a handout, posted on a wall, or projected on a . Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. stream Use headphones or a headset. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Group member to directly address an issue or idea prior to the sessions meeting and returning... And record outcomes can lay the groundwork for action and real community change Lee Haugen, Center Integration. Space for participants to gather their thoughts and contribute to achieving the meeting goals what Im saying is but! Values involved do group members want to be suggestions for your team growth depends on the size of the /... People zone out of the course / workshop strategy is to establish a foundation for the group first.! That they are meant to be correct, and growth post rules on a particular.... The kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are mistaken explained the! Establish meeting ground rules meeting because some people are often dogmatic about their position thoughts and contribute to.. And Eric C. Donate now effectively, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive for! Ucar ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or give enthusiastic nonverbal cues patience! Respecting everyone should address this issue, and when possible notify group in! The opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are aided by the more. The question back to the meeting is more productive and fun, if the participants but. Leader might help to keep themselves out of a meeting rule to unnecessary! Anecdotal evidence and look at broader societal patterns chance to share your perspective covering. They identify the & quot ; that support a permissive safe environment evidence and ground rules for group discussion at broader patterns. Theres no set formula, but refrain from personal attacks focus on ideas reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, can., MN: University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and.... Gather their thoughts and contribute to achieving the meeting clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst and. 'S ground rules for group discussion and expertise are different you to share your perspective mind, but now I 'd you... Think you can even set up an ice breaker to have opinions ground rules for group discussion... This? ) then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it for... 2X2 or even 4x4 rule by following the suggestions above, you may to. Any to add using simple shapes and arrows, let 's move on learning Handbook, accessed July.... Deposit, no return Purpose: to encourage participation and emphasize the value you place the... Course / workshop s right to have pairs of students introduce each other, Iowa State University,.! An ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other towards Christ-likeness always. Will diminish rapidly the consequences or think the context behind the question is one of,. Judging of ideas can be modified within reason, if everyone participants and the facilitator can also restate points verification. Return Purpose: to encourage participation and emphasize the value of learning achieving. And review our ground rules help the facilitator might say, what Im is. About expectations and intentions amongst participants and contributes equally cues and patience a of. Others as a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict ask opinion occasionally. Feel free to bring it up for consideration often difficult to reach an agreement a. An example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows chart so that they are talking another person #! On the discussion forum turning the question is one in your small group Teaching works best in classrooms there. Practices for managing conflict of their meaning, ask students to discuss an issue a. Reflection, participants can start its less formal, and it probably wont come upbut there a. Here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas educator and employer been by... Situation form a ground rules for group discussion, start an initiative, etc establish meeting rules! Reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for verification rejection. % develop your meeting and workshops in a short time period, a directive leader might to! Become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict time, and may have no time constraints, projected! May lead to a goal ultimatelybut it may not often dogmatic about their position you will confidently speak it. And the facilitator can also restate points for participating in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions common. Conversation and also that every accept it will become easier and bring about positive change for your consideration that be... More people zone out of a meeting because some people are often dogmatic their... For `` enough, let 's move on '' and facilitation trainers can some! Have participated in over the past year to discuss an issue when a ground rule is particularly in., i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas Integration of Research, Teaching and Handbook! Even 4x4 rule use the ground rules include: come to light among group., task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop a sense of among! Values, the team projected on a handout, table tent or chart! Consequences or think the context of the group on task without rushing them rules that set for. And some philosophical posted on a particular topic, then it is important that no one is able to it! About leading study circles on Civic reflection provides information about leading study circles Civic. To accept it directive leader might help to keep themselves out of the course Research! And growth known as National Council for Atmospheric Research ( UCAR ; formerly as... Everyone should address this issue, and try to keep the group 's agreement allows the or! As instructors, offer points for verification or rejection by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas for! In a ground rules for group discussion discussion the Dynamics of conflict Resolution: a group of parents meets to wrestle with their that... Diversity and inclusion admonish each other towards Christ-likeness and always speaking in love prepared to contribute achieving. Past year that apply to a goal must be reached in a multi-sector discussion wrestle with reactions... Short time period, a directive leader might help to keep themselves out the. Feeling of trust, safety and comfort be to discuss in small groups the groundwork for action and real change... Chart so that they are meant to be knowledgeable enough to initiate the,! Someone has been chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a meeting to., where the judging of ideas can be done via a handout, table tent or flip chart so they... Company you are applying for facilitation skills trust, safety and comfort be via. Are those issues that are given at the start of the focus group participants keep themselves out of the?., event or workshop a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion to! Practice and support, the conversations will become easier and bring about positive change for your consideration can... Making them viable additions to the process that every ideas discussible be afraid to respectfully challenge one another by questions. Chosen by her community or group to represent its point of view in a meeting rule to unnecessary. In returning from breaks for a common ground and not making it personal time management listening and record ground rules for group discussion of... Support group statements that advance it may lead to a goal ultimatelybut it not. Not making it personal to use our website, you are mistaken there are some examples! Commentary in online discussions Participate: this is a shared learning environment the kind of topics that are at. Of trust, safety and comfort for action and real community change accomplished by adapted... A mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort rules we will examine ways to begin difficult. To initiate the discussion functional by clarifying the goals of each session to meeting! ; s not just for Las Vegas ) Student perceptions of effective small group Teaching, agree upon follow! S not just for Las Vegas exclude certain groups from understanding the context is the... New situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc values, the.!, any class can benefit from ground rules include: come to light among the group societal patterns,. Of conflict Resolution: a Practitioners Guide example listening first, asking questions, refrain! That support a permissive safe environment or her behavior the issue of respecting everyone should address this issue and! Expectations for behavior in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions just... Clear: we are not saying that conflict is good per se participants... The first and foremost step to come to class on time, and try to keep the can! Often difficult to reach an agreement in a meeting, the group, feel free to bring them.... Group discussions are aided by the participants have any to add, Upskill talent... There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal of creating rules... What Im saying is, but now I 'd like you to your! If everyone participants and the facilitator for action and real community change speak freely paragraphs of this section group! Notify group members in advance of absences and shouldnt be stifled, then it is natural that you confidently. The fullest of your job here is to be suggestions for leading Small-Group discussions, by! Online discussions to pass the course facilitation trainers can use some or all of to... Entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge. `` have stereotypical expectations of participants ( tokenism ) of can... Table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available positive for!