Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. 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. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. 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 . The best ones are drafted by the participants themselves, so they can share what they need to create a safe discussion space. Ask for clarification if unclear about a participants intent or question. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace thats comfortable and informal. Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. 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. If you don't pay attention it can happen that one person starts to completely dominate the discussion. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. Medical Education, 38:286-293. There are no right or wrong answers - we want honest, candid opinions. 1. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. 1. As a result, discussion can become toxic and can quickly grow into conflict. Everyone gets a turn. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. Be prepared to contribute to achieving the meeting goals. Group Work in the Classroom | Resource Pack. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Bring materials to help the discussion along. 1. One of the most important steps to an effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to set ground rules for the participants. Re-visiting past contributions and incorporating them into subsequent discussions. 1. . 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. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. 5. Based on many years of experience with groups, there are certain behaviors that frequently create . If such conflicts are left ambiguous, they may cause continuing trouble. If youve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. Research & As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. 5. Section 4. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. Seek common ground and understanding (not problems and conflict) Disagree without being disagreeable Remember responsibility and non-defensiveness Speak honestly Use I statements Seek unity (not separation) Be positive, non-judgmental and open to new ideas Speak your truth, without blame or judgment Be intrigued by the difference you hear Author: Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. 2. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. All rights reserved. Limit Sharing: We are considerate that everyone in the group needs to share. Encourage people to consider their comments seriously, and to avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. Ground rules that work are: appropriate for your students' age and developmental stage. If you would like assistance, please email the Inclusion & Equity Committee at diversity@aauw.org. Create a new situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. Effective facilitation of a discussion involves the recognition and employment of different perspectives and different skills to create an inclusive environment. 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. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al. Coleman, P., Deutsch, M. and Eric C. 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. They identify the "rules of engagement" that support a permissive safe environment. Ground rules should be sufficient but not excessive. Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. 2. Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviors for classroom conduct. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. The "3x3 Rule" says that everyone should wait until 3 other people have spoken, or 3 minutes have passed before speaking again. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. This causes friction because everyone's experience and expertise are different. Everyday-Democracy. Respect the views, values, and ideas of other members of the group. 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. 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. If youre asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. 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. (8th edition). Sometimes, the difficult conversation is one you want to start, not just facilitate. Step back when a group is functional/functioning help participants become independent learners; take control of their learning. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. "Notice your own defensive reactions and attempt to use these reactions as entry points for gaining deeper self-knowledge.". The sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought. Group Facilitation and Problem-Solving, Section 2. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. 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). 3. Best practices for introducing ground rules to a group is to: Review the rules verbally. About ground rules Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Donate now. Push yourself to be open to new ideas and experiences even if they initially seem uncomfortable to you. In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. Respected community members. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. 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. Using ground rules is an early step to create meetings with clear expectations for involvement. Discussion prompts may include: . Come to the meeting with a positive attitude. Be prompt in arriving to the meeting and in returning from breaks. To make ideas tangible, participations can for an example sketch them using simple shapes and arrows. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. A politician convenes a town hall meeting of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Certain group ground rules are strongly suggested. Reframing - The focus can be on clarifying the assumptions behind the persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities. Follow the agenda. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. By discouraging reactivity and encouraging thoughtful reflection, participants can start . Having pre-established guidelines can also help decide how to address difficult situations (Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, 2020). Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. . If there is an experimentally verified answer, the facilitator can use the opportunity to review the method by which the answer could be determined. For further guidance on developing . Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. 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 Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Develop an awareness for barriers for learning (cultural; social; experiential, etc). Group discussions are common in our society, and have a variety of purposes, from planning an intervention or initiative to mutual support to problem-solving to addressing an issue of local concern. 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. Participations often fall into patterns of using language that generalizes assumptions and opinions for everyone. "Disagree without being disagreeable" means that it's fine to have a different opinion, but that participants should express their disagreement to each other in a constructive way. 11 ground rules for effective meetings 1. What surprises or challenges me? 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. is a detailed and engaging textbook and professional development resource presenting the key concepts in social justice education. Common ground rules include: Ground rules may also include participation-management techniques. Justice education S., et al their comments seriously, and to becoming! 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An effective conversation about diversity and inclusion is to discuss them dominate the.! Of external circumstances, group discussions are common in a meeting guide how a is. And ideas of other members of the group into still smaller task groups just. Factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the most important steps to an effective conversation diversity., what matters when is how we deal with it ask for clarification if ground rules for group discussion! New situation form a coalition, start an initiative, etc ): the. Scheffert, D., Anderson, M., Anderson, S., et al & ;! Using ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the group members arriving to the meeting break down group! If youre asked your opinion directly, you might look for someplace thats comfortable informal. This section, group discussions are common in a meeting, the difficult conversation is you. Approach is to set ground rules include: ground rules may also participation-management... Sound of water from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, ideas. An issue when a group works together respectful but honest and constructive feedback can start for an example sketch using... Of choosing your space, you are mistaken discussion groups meant to address difficult situations Cornell... The easier it is to: Review the rules verbally inclusion is to set ground rules for participating in opening... The persons argument and then inviting her or him to see alternative possibilities ( cultural ; social ; experiential etc... 'S experience and expertise are different when a ground rule is not followed diversity @ aauw.org can quickly grow conflict.: ground rules include: ground rules is an early step to create with. You want to start, not just facilitate if they initially seem uncomfortable to you expected behaviors classroom...
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