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1.3
Anticipating Conflict and Forming Group Guidelines
Submitted by Shannon Wheatley Hartman
This activity empowers group members to anticipate potential conflict in group discussions. Participants then work together to create guidelines that will address these concerns and bring out the best characteristics of the group.
Learning Goals
Anticipate group dynamics with specific focus on potential group conflict and work together as a group to establish guiding principles
Instructions
Step One (10 minutes)
If the group completed Activity 1.1 What is Collaborative Learning, then use the lists of positive and negative attributes as a starting point for this activity. Or, have the group generate a list of both positive and negative attributes of a collaborative experience. Record this list.
Step Two (10 minutes)
In pairs or small groups, discuss which of these negative attributes give us most concern.
Which are most likely to occur in our discussions?
What’s missing from this list?
Step Three (10 minutes)
Repeat Step Two but discuss positive attributes.
Which attributes would make for the most ideal discussion environment?
What would you add to this list?
Step Four (10 minutes)
Regroup as a whole and discuss key positive and negative attributes. Discuss how these might be captured in 4-5 guiding principles. Record responses and share out the final list. For example:
Make room for everyone to be heard. Listen to understand.
Bring your positive attitude and energy. Have fun!
Be respectful of different opinions. We are not always going to agree and that is a good thing (unless your values or opinions dehumanize me).
Care for the people in the room. Practice social sensitivity: be empathetic, be supportive, pick up on cues and body language.
Step Five (15 minutes)
Debrief as a group.
How often should we revisit this list?
What should be our process if someone violates our stated principles?
When are guidelines limiting and/or unproductive?
How might we adjust in anticipation to these concerns?
Tell us what you think. Rate and review this activity:
Have any helpful suggestions or modifications for this activity?
Share them in the comments below!
2 comment(s)
December 7, 2022 at 1:39:24 PM
I think we all know that creating guidelines is important. I introduce Activity 1.1 What is Collaborative Learning? first and then use the positive and negative attributes that they generate to help form our group guidelines.
November 28, 2022 at 8:34:01 PM
Activity 1.3 is a good activity that helps develop a sense of cohesion and psychological safety in the group.
November 28, 2022 at 8:34:01 PM
Good activity