By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. If the group meets multiple times, repost rules at each meeting to orient new participants and remind others. The following are common examples of ground rules. 9 Ground rules for effective groups. Disgruntled (non)participant: Someone who does not contribute and whose presence inhibits the participation of other group members. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group(s). Establishing Ground Rules for Groups . Speak for yourself, not as the representative of any group or any other person. In order to create a climate for open and honest dialogue and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Adapted from A Guide For Training Study Circle Facilitators, Study Circle Resource Center, www.studycircles.org; Created by, Kim Reindl, 2008; [email protected]. From More Light Less Heat by Joseph Phelps 5 Ground Rules for Online Classroom Discussion by Cristin Peratt on November 9, 2020 Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. Establish Group Norms An important job of a facilitator is to ensure that the group discusses and establishes ground rules for their work together. Rules can help prevent conflict as your group grows and provide a feeling of safety for group … They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. 4. Start by following some fundamental ground rules for all conversations—whether with colleagues, in a team, or in larger group settings. Therefore, when we study the words of the Bible we always lo. Ground Rules for Group Discussion. GROUND RULES for Small Group Discussion SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open and honest with their struggles and victories. R – take Responsibility for what you say and feel without blaming others We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group.Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Ground Rules in the Upper Elementary Grades. Here are some commonly used ground rules (collected from colleagues and meetings we’ve been a part of). Your challenge is to create open and productive discussions where people feel safe sharing their experiences and perspectives, and are receptive to learning. While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. (A useful ground rule for managing hurt) We will establish an "ouch" list as we go along. Vicki Lynch. Courageous Conversations Discussing Guidelines Resource. 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. Ground rules are special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. Take responsibility for your own learning. The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. These will set the tone and expectations for behavior so that everyone will feel safe and willing to participate. Ground rules are important to the success or you and your group in CHEM-342. Regents of the University of Minnesota. 1. Fact sheet. Do not talk over each other—only one person should talk at a time. The discussion group may adopt the ground-rule that dysfunctional role behaviour will be censured by members of the group. If ground rules are needed, the group is probably quite capable of brainstorming its own. Equipping Leaders If the idea of working with your team to set “Rules” rubs you the wrong way, consider these alternatives: Personal stories stay in the group, unless we. Guidelines for discussion in sections can help promote and organize productive conversations among students by building a sense of community and setting clear expectations and boundaries. While many public organizations use parliamentary procedure as a form of ground rules, such formal rules may not be sufficient or appropriate for guiding public discussion. Discussion ground rules. These will set the tone and expectations for behavior so that everyone will feel safe and willing to participate. Next, establish some ground rules, like treating everyone with respect, no interrupting, and being succinct. Do not talk over each other—only one person should talk at a time. Each small group should set its own ground rules during its first class meeting. 2. Ground Rules for In-Class Discussions: 1. Risk. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. For example, in a dialogue about race, white participants will often support ground rules meant to keep anger out of the discussion--ground rules focused keeping them comfortable. Ground rules are special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. When a topic has been discussed fully, do not bring it back up. The ground rules that the group agrees to follow will affect the kinds of interventions the facilitator makes. First Sunday after Christmas, Year B, Company's Coming 2020 Seek first to understand, then to be understood. It is important for instructors to remind students of these ground rules periodically, particularly if problems occur (for example, students cutting one another off in discussion or … 2. Help the facilitator keep things on track. Increase participation and the sharing of idea… St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. If you are offended or uncomfortable, say so and say why. Personal attacks, making fun of comments shared by others or negative comments are not allowed. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. The group's size and purpose can determine how ground rules are set. Teams that are just forming can set their ground rules as one part of their larger working team agreement by asking “What agreements or ground rules do we want to set for our meetings?” as one item on the agenda. We suggest the following: Everyone gets a chance to talk. Some people bristle at the idea of setting “Ground Rules” because it sounds too restrictive and punitive. ... discussion guidelines are focused on facilitating group discussion in section and GSIs. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, ... whole class discussion, small groups or pairs, long-term team projects, ‘Socratic’ question-answer led by the instructor, ... misunderstanding, or resistance may well arise in a learning setting even when the group has carefully considered the ‘rules … To Explore: Group discussions designed to explore one's own views and views of others. Then, explain the topic that’s up for discussion and ask an … Aim to decide how the group will handle these things: Here are five to think incorporate into your group process or team setting. Participation in the focus group is voluntary. New groups can benefit from having rules to set expectations of the group culture early. Next, establish some ground rules, like treating everyone with respect, no interrupting, and being succinct. o. Equity & Inclusion Group Ground Rules Adapted from UT Astronomy E&I Discussion Group Ground Rules by Caitlin Casey, Brandon Bozek, and Raquel Martinez. Justice, T., and Jamieson, D. (1998). The actual discussion follows. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. Described below are some dysfunctional roles to be avoided. We will face our differences. . Post rules on a handout, table tent or flip chart so that they are readily available. 1. The Word of God is Jesus Christ, and the words of the Bible tell us about that Word. The discussion group may adopt the ground-rule that dysfunctional role behaviour will be censured by members of the group. The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. We will consider all views and information, even if they conflict . Everyone should feel respected and heard in a community of their brothers and sisters in Christ. The complete guide to facilitation. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Create ownership of the ground rules. Each member of a discussion group is directed to read the printed guidelines, identify and discuss needed changes or additions and then accept the (possibly modified) guidelines. This is where meeting ground rules come in to play. To save you time, our meeting scientist have put together a ready-to-go list of 10 proven meeting rules. “Netiquette” refers to rules of etiquette that apply to online communication. 1 Create ownership of the ground rules. Don’t cut people off. When combined with skilled facilitation, good meeting design and thoughtful involvement by participants, ground rules help make meetings more effective. . No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Having nine or fewer ground rules helps the group more easily remember and support them. All rights reserved. 1. contract based on the ground rules; others simply discuss and agree to the ground rules informally. The best reader should decide. Personal attacks, making fun of comments shared by others or negative comments are not allowed. The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. Then, explain the topic that’s up for discussion and ask an … These guidelines “belong” to the group and group members are expected to help enforce them. ... Our Ground Rules for Exploratory Talk Names of our group: Talk together to decide on your group’s suggested ground rules for talk. Discussion ground rules. What’s said at group stays at group. The various ground rules agendas suggested below should only be regarded as starting points for each group to adopt or adapt and prioritize. Listen with respect. Setting ground rules is one of the things we encouraged groups to do, so that everyone is clear about how to create an environment for growth in a group context. Each person gets a chance to talk. Ground Rules for In-Class Discussions: 1. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Respect the groups’ time and keep comments brief and to the point. Here are four important guidelines to communicate to your group. Each session will be a facilitated discussion of selected chapters, led by a member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Share all relevant information – If members of the team don’t share all of their information, this can lead to incorrect decisions. No one wants to find out he or she has been the subject of gossip or well-meaning “prayer discussions.” This is probably the most important ground rule of all. Are these useful rules for discussion? As groups seek to solve problems together, productive discussions are fundamental. We will agree to discuss the "ouches" at some point in the discussion. 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. 3. In a secondary classroom, it is a helpful exercise for students to establish and practice using ground rules for discussion. The best reader should decide. The group's agreement allows the leader or a group member to directly address an issue when a ground rule is not followed. 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. Are these useful rules for discussion? These 8 Ground Rules Will Make Your Job Easier Good meetings require structure and process. This is true for everyone, regardless of our group(s). © We ask that you write down any statements that hurt you and post them on the wall. A Ground Rule by any other name may possibly smell less. The ground rules may be modified and/or added to at any time. E – use Empathetic listening In order to create a climate for open and honest dialogue and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Some you might suggest, if the group has trouble coming up with the first one or two: Try not to speak again until one or two other persons have added to the conversation. One person talks at a time. Ground Rules in the Upper Elementary Grades. 1. Read the article to know more about the rules. o. Establish Group Norms An important job of a facilitator is to ensure that the group discusses and establishes ground rules for their work together. Lisa Hinz, Extension educator, leadership and civic engagement. To Raise Awareness: Group discussions designed to share specific information and to hear about the views and perspectives of others. Here are a few basic small group rules you might consider: Confidentiality. Sometimes these ground rules might be provided in advance — but most of the time, it’s up to the facilitator to establish norms. (1) We will modify these as a group … Be critical of the idea, not the person who put it forward. Ground rules clarify expectations for behavior in the meeting. Healthy discussion does not have to be elusive. The Golden Rule is one of the most important rules for all interaction. Ground rules, otherwise known as guidelines for discussion, help group members conduct civil, constructive discussions in the spirit of Christian community. A Group Discussion (GD) is a technique used by corporate companies, educational institutes, and other organizations to judge the communication skills of the participant. Small Group Rules. Build trust and a sense of safety among group 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. Eric Law’s “Respectful Communication Guidelines”. This group is not intended as “Diversity 101” training. Second Sunday after Christmas, Year B, Home St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension. Follow these 15 rules of netiquette to make sure you sound respectful, polite, and knowledgeable when you post to your class’s online discussion boards. We suggest the following: Everyone gets a chance to talk. Nashville, TN 37212 Establishing Ground Rules for Groups . Rules Yes, No or Maybe (give your reasons!) Participation in the focus group is voluntary. Land on between 3-5 ground rules and after introducing and explaining what each one means to the group, consider asking the group for additions. It is OK to disagree, but personal attacks are not allowed. Ground rules can be very useful indeed in group work contexts. In the classroom, guidelines for interactions can be used in a similar way, at the start of a class or small group discussion. Good listening requires concentration and attention. Facilitation resources, volume 4: Managing group interaction. 1 Create ownership of the ground rules. Do not waste everyone’s time by repeating what others have said. The various ground rules … Talking takes too much time – write the first idea 5. Healthy discussion optimizes the varied experience, talent and wisdom that the group members bring to the table. (877) 899-2780, Discipleship Ministries is an agency of The United Methodist Church© 2020 Discipleship Ministries. As students approach the teenage years, they become opinionated and are tempted to “bully” their points and opinions. Here are some commonly used ground rules (collected from colleagues and meetings we’ve been a part of). Group Discussion Situations. Sometimes these ground rules might be provided in advance — but most of the time, it’s up to the facilitator to establish norms. Any of the following sets of guidelines or ‘ground rules’ could be distributed to students, or used to start a conversation with students about expectations for participation and interaction that will foster an environment of mutual respect and collaborative inquiry. The ideal focus group moderator has the following traits: Can listen attentively with sensitivity and empathy Is able to listen and think at the same time Believes that all group participants have something to offer no matter what their education, experience, or background Over the years I have accumulated a list of helpful ground rules to make brainstorming sessions efficient, worthwhile, and effective: [ Don't call it a brainstorm: 10 tips for better innovation ] 1. Group Discussion – Definition, Tips, and other rules to follow Sunday, January 5th, 2020 As the exam season comes to an end and the Group Discussion stage usher in, we can begin our preparations for the round two by looking at some basics of the Group Discussion (GD) process. Effective ground rules help: 1. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. No name-calling or stereotyping. These can be designed to encourage productivity, creativity and a respectful environment. ground rules. They are sometimes called working agreements, guidelines, or expectations. For example, ground rules can help to create a supportive climate for communication between present or former enemies as well as individuals who have undergone social severe social trauma. Invite potential participants and get commitments to … In a secondary classroom, it is a helpful exercise for students to establish and practice using ground rules for discussion. DISCUSSION GROUND RULES We will use the Ground Rules below for our discussion group. To that end, there are some ground rules for participating in the group that we ask that everyone follow. When we consider who is protected by ground rules like "do not express anger," it becomes apparent that, intentionally or not, they protect the participants representing privileged groups. Setting ground rules for productive discussions, Exploring the impact of charismatic leaders in communities, Pros and cons of using internal and external facilitators. Ground rules are a short list of expectations to guide how a group works together. Ground rules help a group start and maintain a productive discussion. Create ownership of the ground rules. . It’s not just for Las Vegas. discussion; the assistant takes notes and runs the tape recorder. 2. This isn’t Diversity 101. LISTEN: Let’s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes, Company's Coming In fact, by following two simple meeting discussion rules, any group can foster healthy discussions at all meetings. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. 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. 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Group in CHEM-342 from colleagues and meetings we ’ ve been a of. In CHEM-342 to speak again until one or two other persons have added the! Members how they can engage with the group, unless we rules prior to the.! Refers to rules of etiquette that apply to online Communication and civic engagement experience talent! Again until one or two other persons have added to at any time, ground rules clarify expectations involvement.