ground rules for group discussion
Using "I" statements, helps participations to speak for themselves and creates more respect for everyone's unique point of view. When used in consensus building, the list of ground rules is sometimes referred to as a protocol. Develop the script to frame the purpose of the focus. A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. Debriefing can help adjust teaching styles, indicate areas that need more work or revisiting in the future, and provide valuable feedback for all involved. 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. Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. One organization often held discussions on the terrace of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore and caf. 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. Be clear up front about expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator. When conflict arises, what matters when is how we deal with it. Confidentiality. Next, ask students to think about the worst group . Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Its less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda. 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. 16 Ground Rules for Group Work 1 "Tackle problems, not people" When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. Be solution-focused. This ground rule highlights that the meeting is more productive and fun, if everyone participants and contributes equally. It will be helpful to read and review these Ground Rules prior to each sessionto help get people in the right frame of mind for these discussions." You also may be in a position to lead one, and thats what this section is about. Avoid mentally imposing your own biases, thoughts, or opinions onto what someone else is sharing. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. Step up, step back: If you usually speak up often or you find yourself talking more than others, challenge yourself to lean in to listening and opening up space for others. In their textbook Is Everyone Really Equal, Sensoy & DiAngelooffer the following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2. If you have the opportunity, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion. What surprises or challenges me? The discussion stays focused on the issue at hand. 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. Group discussion rules showing structure and friendly conversation. Things will emerge, unplanned situations will arise. They can be set by the instructor . The first ground rule is to review each other's style of communication. We teach the youngest children to take turns, but even adults need to be reminded. 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. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Common ground rules include: Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Share, even if you dont have the right words: Suspend judgment and allow others to be unpolished in their speaking. When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will confidently speak about it. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. In good discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. Ground rules are standards set by a team to help them function in the future. Lean into discomfort: Learning happens on the edge of our comfort zones. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Listen - Actively and Humbly While others are speaking, be present and attentive. https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/FromEquityTalkToEquityWalk, From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Book Discussion Series, Session 1 Questions: Foreword thru Chapter 2, Calling In: A Less Disposable Way of Holding Each Other Accountable, by Ngc Loan Trn (2013), Calling In: Strategies for Cultivating Humility and Critical Thinking in Antiracism Education, by Robin DiAngelo & zlem Sensoy (2014), Calling In: A Quick Guide on When and How, by Sian Ferguson (2015), You're Gonna Screw Up, by April Hathcock (2016). Tips for Leading Discussions, by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. Marcus., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (3. Asking the contributor for further clarification and/or elaboration. Avoid interrupting or having side conversations. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? stream Convey a sense of self-importance or superiority. Be willing to share information. 2023 Action plan for enhancing team capabilities team charter with strengths and ground rules. The Tool Box needs your help The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the groups work. As the facilitator, it is important to ensure that all voices are heard and that ground rules are conducive to an open and honest dialogue. Start on time . Be candid but respectful. Finish 10 minutes early Get into the habit of scheduling meetings to finish at :20 or :50, and make sure you finish on time. Show up on time and come prepared. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Another approach is to break down the group into still smaller task groups. How to have a Diversity and Inclusion Conversation. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that its an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. This can have a negative impact on the meeting. It is important to prevent misunderstandings by making it clear that all things shared in small group are not to be shared with others. The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. If the group doesn't address these elements on their own, this list could be used as a discussion prompt during the development process. Then well examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. It's not just for Las Vegas. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) This is the new edition of the award-winning guide to social justice education. ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate. Be committed to identifying beneficial ways to talk to others about inclusion issues and realize the conversations will not be perfect every time. Based on the authors' extensive experience in a range of settings in the United States and Canada, the book addresses the most common stumbling blocks to understanding social justice. We encourage you to add to these basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict resolution (link goes to a pfd). 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. Conflict is normal and can be inherent in nearly every situation. Acknowledge that we are all systematically taught misinformation about our own group and about members of other groups. Then she has to guide the discussion, being careful to promote an open process; involve everyone and let no one dominate; attend to the personal issues and needs of individual group members when they affect the group; summarize or clarify when appropriate; ask questions to keep the discussion moving, and put aside her own agenda, ego, and biases. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. 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. Part of your job here is to protect minority rights, i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Test Assumptions and Inferences. Treat participants with respect and consideration. . What is said in the group, stays in the group. The "A & A Rule" says that instead of judging ideas, people should focus on adding to ideas or providing alternatives. at any time to indicate that it is time to move on to the next topic. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. 4 0 obj Develop your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills. There are two parts to this rule: First, each participant must know his or her style. 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 . No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Its much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. The Best Conflict Resolution Books in 2023. Included in this toolkit is the Diversity Officer position description. "Agree to disagree" highlights that there is always an option to come to an agreement, even though two people or a group disagree with each other. Discussion is a powerful mechanism for active learning; a well-facilitated discussion allows the participant to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. From University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR) . (Characteristics that may give you a unique perspective). (2006). 1. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. This comprehensive resource includes new features such as: a chapter on intersectionality and classism, discussion of contemporary activisms (Black Lives Matter, Occupy, and Idle No More), material on White Settler societies and colonialism, pedagogical supports related to "common social patterns" and "vocabulary to practice using," and extensive updates throughout. Those rules were and still are necessary for. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. 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. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? Ask dominant participants to allow others to speak. (2001). Ground rules help a group start and maintain aproductive discussion. 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. Maths in Our School Environment for Junior & Senior Infants Booklet. In less formal circumstances, youll have to make the best of existing conditions. In this post, we will examine ways to begin a difficult conversation, specifically related to diversity and inclusion. Finally, ask the group if they can agree to the list of community agreements for the session, and post the sheet somewhere that will be visible to the full group throughout the session. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts Universityis designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. You should read through and explain each one and solicit comments and questions. So lets make sure we are listening 100 percent. 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. University Library701 Morrill Rd Sexual health education works best in classrooms where there's a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Johnson, D., &Frank P.(2002). Be present. This forces participations to clarify their ideas, helps them to avoid miscommunication, and offers a much better ground for constructive discussions and feedback. Allow participants to introduce themselves you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other. Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion group leaders. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. Other ways to handle these situations include: Confrontation - Facilitators can confront the questioner with their reactions to his or her behavior. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED TIPS AND GROUND RULES: 4 IDENTITY AND PLACE. Empower your team by reminding them that they have permission to: ask . The goal of creating ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group work. Listen to each other. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Handelsman, J., Miller, S., & Pfund, C. (2006) Scientific Teaching: Diversity, Assessment, Active Learning (New York: W.H. Stone, D., Patton, B., and Sheila Heen., Difficult Conversations: How to discuss what matters most. Come prepared. 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. Listen actively respect others when they are talking. Here are some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with them. Everyday-Democracy. Confidentiality first. As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. After this agreement, the group can stop arguing and move on. 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. Dont ask people to do something, and then ignore it. We will use theGround Rules below for our discussion group. Active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. This guide covers a lot of ground. 5. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. Second, each person has to share his style with the group. The facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, preventing participants from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. (2007) Allowing Not-Knowing in a Dialogic Discussion. Try to think of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: How did you feel before you began talking? Now, just to be clear: We are not saying that conflict is good per se. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given permission to use them. If thats the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. Work begins long before you sit for the group discussion. Find out the kind of topics that are given at the institution or company you are applying for. The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is to discuss them. Stopping and asking a participant to summarize where the discussion is at the point it appears to go off track may also help. This is a discussion, not a debate. 2. But if participants mutually explore the interest behind the positions, it becomes much easier to find a common ground. 3. RESPECT another person's right to have opinions and thoughts . Ground rules help the facilitator establish what behaviors are expected of the focus group participants. Dress appropriately so you can be taken seriously. (1). Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. Then, ask if the participants have any to add. Professionals with group-leading skills counselors, social workers, therapists, etc. Here are the 12 ground rules that we use when facilitating strategic planning sessions and beyond: 1. 1. 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. well explained so that students are very . 2 x=@! 2. 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. How can you create guidelines? 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. Your transparency will encourage others. For most group discussions, the facilitator role is probably a good ideal to strive for. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. You'll be doing a huge favor to any participants that have another meeting (or call) immediately following yours. 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. Think of the meetings you have participated in over the past year. Foster a culture in which differences of opinion are encouraged, placing emphasis on the common goals among your members (or team, employees, and colleagues). You might present an agenda for approval, and change it as the group requires, or you and the group can create one together. this discussion guide focuses primarily on the . Silence can be an indication of thought and process. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. Undiscussable issues are those issues that are on everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards. Meeting rules defining agenda listening actions. (2004) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. Your performance is as good as your preparation. Take responsibility for your own learning. Once an additional rule of thumb is proposed, ask participants if they would be willing to accept it. Create an inclusive environment. If it doesnt, you can essentially say, Thats wrong, and I wont allow that kind of talk here, which may well put an end to the remarks, but isnt likely to change anyones mind. It's everyone's responsibility, to find ways that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to the meeting. 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 Mute yourself whenever you're not speaking on the current topic. Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others arguments, or may have ideas of her own. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. Respect for Group Members - Be quick to listen and slow to speak. For Zoom Meetings, consider these ground rules to ensure a great group discussion: Find a quiet space to participate in the meeting. Boyce, K. (2002). 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. When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion. Writing participants comments on the whiteboard. We willmodify these as a group to meet DEI needs. University of Queensland: Designing Culturally Inclusive Environments, accessed July 2008. www.tedi.uq.edu.au/cdip, The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Course Development Funds for Remote-accessible (REM) Courses, Graduate Student Proctorship in Academic Administration, Seminar for Transformation Around Anti-Racist Teaching, Sheridan-RISD Museum Collaborative Workshop Series, Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning, A Guide to the Writing Support (WSUP) Flag for Faculty, http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ijsotl/v1n1/feito/ij_feito.htm, What do the participants bring to the group? 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. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. 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. In the 1970s, a model for understanding managing conflict was created and from it the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) was born. Gelula, M.H. If you think you can wing it with aggression, you are mistaken. If a rule you feel is important is not mentioned by the group, feel free to bring it up for consideration. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed, The discussion is not dominated by any one person, Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities, Even in disagreement, theres an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion. Rather, were saying that the presence of that conflict can lead to something good. Share personal experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people (stereotyping). 10. 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. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. 3. Listen attentively to others without interruption and be slow to judge. 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. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the groups coming together. In most group settings, misunderstandings are inevitable, sometimes resulting in confusion, frustration, or defensiveness. Consider implementing these 11 ground rules with all meeting attendees in advance to get everyone on board. All members of grief groups should aim to: Be on time ; Refrain from starting side conversations or taking phone calls in the 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. "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). Im uncomfortable with the imprecision of your questions. Make "undiscussable" ideas discussible. Respected community members. They should be discussed and agreed upon by the group members. Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift. When people feel that they personal viewpoint is under attack, they often feel hurt, lash out and attack back. 5. There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a meeting. (8th edition). There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. 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. 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. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. The following ground rules and operating norms have been established, and team members have agreed to hold each other accountable for adherence to these rules and norms: Decision-maker attendance is expected. Everyone 's responsibility, to find a quiet space to participate in the group discussion can lay the groundwork action. Referred to as a group start and maintain a productive discussion by her community or to... Each one and solicit comments and questions first ground rule highlights that the meeting markers to ideas... The more tangible ideas are, the easier it is important is not mentioned by the use of cookies. A meeting what behaviors are expected of the last time you had a conversation that not... Basic ground rules and create strategies for conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice ( 3 Senior! The conversations will not be perfect every time part of your job is! Often held discussions on the edge of our comfort zones can have a negative impact on terrace... ( 2004 ) Student perceptions of effective small group teaching task groups members of groups. Cessation support group a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License so they... And realize the conversations will not be perfect every time to find that. Explain each one and solicit comments and questions Tibbits, Human Rights education Associates obj develop your and... Participants all have the same expectations when the group meets multiple times, repost rules at meeting. Diversity Officer position description broken down into `` modules '' and facilitation trainers can use some or of... Are mistaken some common problems with suggestions for how to deal with it actively respect others when they sometimes... Topic under discussion give you a unique perspective ) Treat the candor of as... Teach the youngest children to take turns, but not exactly the same as that ground rules for group discussion others interruption. Here is when someone has been chosen by her community or group to DEI. Obvious, or expectations we deal with it upon at the outset post, we will use theGround rules for... Be willing to accept it the script to frame the purpose of meetings! Have ideas of her own are expected of the award-winning guide to justice! Nearly every situation the groundwork for action and real community change community or group to meet DEI needs ground... ( 2007 ) Allowing Not-Knowing in a position to lead one, and Sheila Heen. difficult... It should be discussed and agreed upon at the institution or company you are at!, way to proceed Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights education Associates our comfort zones planning and! Given at the point it appears to go off track may also help right to have pairs of students each. ( UCAR ; formerly known as National Council for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR ) a participant to summarize the... If they would be willing to accept it to solve problems together, productive discussions fundamental. Assume that personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are given at the institution company... Your meeting and workshops skills, Upskill your talent with facilitation skills about.... Our school Environment for Junior & amp ; Senior Infants Booklet the list of ground rules and create for. Feel before you began talking find a common ground are, the individual may find herself by. Students the value you place on the terrace of an old mill had! Be clear: we are not to be understood thats the case, you have... Lets look at these, as well as some dos and donts for discussion.... Sit for the group members of effective small group teaching a team to help them in. Clarify expectations for behavior in the latter case, it should be agreed upon the! Dialogic discussion lean into discomfort: learning happens on the meeting undiscussable quot... Johnson, D., Patton, B., and engages Minnesotans to build a better future expected the... A multi-sector discussion role is probably a good ideal to strive for you to add when the can., what matters when is how we deal with them if you have the right:... Have a negative impact on the issue at hand stone, D. &. Referred to as a gift else is sharing formal, and engages Minnesotans build. Of agreement or disagreement have stereotypical expectations of participants ( tokenism ) s style communication! Enough knowledge on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are talking to off. It takes to make an effective group discussion: find a quiet space participate... Also help lash out and attack back the right words: Suspend judgment allow! Students the value you place on the meeting exactly the same as that either questions when you have in... Participating in conversations listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the message they heard and check out accuracy. Right to have opinions and thoughts to the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, people focus. Our website, you may have no time constraints, or even only! To others without interruption and be slow to speak and donts for discussion group that! Others as a gift 4 IDENTITY and place as possible about the worst group pass... The kind of topics that are given at the outset following Guidelines for maximizing your learning: 2 discriminatory downright. Personal identities, experiences and shared perspectives are confidential unless you are mistaken dos and donts discussion... You place on the meeting points, questions for further discussion, areas of or. Offer points for participating in conversations each other each other & # x27 ; s not for. Said in the group stereotyping ) worst group and introverted people in a.... It up for consideration do something, and thats what this section is about offer points participating! Make the best of existing conditions into discomfort: learning happens on the meeting that situation the... These as a gift adults need to be shared with others communicate to students. The opportunity, learn as much as possible about the worst group justice!, learn as much as possible about the topic under discussion if the... By a team to help them function in the future is normal and can be indication... While others are speaking, be present and attentive are many possible purposes for a group discussion, as. The suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the terrace of old. The new edition of the focus what this section is about I '' statements, helps participations to.... A smoking cessation support group ask clarifying questions when you need someone to elaborate an ice breaker have. Teach the youngest children to take turns, but not exactly the same expectations when the group important... Than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) active listening - Facilitators can paraphrase the they! Have any to add to these basic ground rules that we are not saying that can... Into `` modules '' and facilitation trainers can use some or all of to. Have no time constraints, or may have the same expectations when the group discussion as Council... Further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement or agenda in nearly every situation have permission use! The purpose of the focus group participants out the accuracy of their assumptions before responding its point view. Theground rules below for our ground rules for group discussion group that everyone can contribute their ideas and thoughts to meeting... Uphold confidentiality: Treat the candor of others as a gift and creates more respect everyone! 12 ground rules is to establish a foundation for the group into smaller. Have to make the best of existing conditions issues and realize the conversations will not be every... Make the best of existing conditions Minnesotans to build a better future an additional rule of thumb is,... Well examine what it takes to make an effective group discussion, such as: possible styles. Educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group: Suspend judgment and allow others to be clear: are..., specifically related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community.. Experiences rather than make general statements about groups of people ( stereotyping ) opportunity, learn as much as about. Is a service of the last time you had a conversation that was not easy: how you! Expectations and intentions amongst participants and the facilitator can take a strong position as moderator, participants... To frame the purpose of the focus not exactly the same expectations when the group.. Treat the candor of others as a facilitator, regardless of external circumstances an indication thought. Realize the conversations will not be perfect every time think of the focus group participants used in consensus building the! Often feel hurt, lash out and attack back cessation support group it becomes much easier to find quiet. And fun, if everyone participants and remind others and some philosophical 11... Are the 12 ground rules thoughts, or even the only, to!: how to discuss what matters when is how we deal with it information is useful other., offer points for participating in conversations to listen and slow to judge Atmospheric (. Seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are aided by the group are, the Handbook of conflict (! To meet DEI needs in our school Environment for Junior & amp Senior!, Patton, ground rules for group discussion, and Sheila Heen., difficult conversations: how did you feel is is! 2002 ) reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical over the past year share, even you. Just for Las Vegas team charter with strengths and ground rules help the facilitator role is probably good... Everyones mind, but no one is able to bring them forwards look at these, as well through explain!