Discussion Groups

Discussion Groups:

Discussion Groups, are very beneficial and offer a great way for students to spend time together, getting to understand other races, cultures, ethnicities, and religions. It is tempting to hold a group discussion near the start of the year, but we suggest it is better to wait until the Team Leaders become better acquainted with the students so they know what topics will be of interest and which will be too sensitive to take on. No one is good or bad, no one is right or wrong, no one is to blame for the problems we face. Just talking about the day, or what they experienced together is what the program is designed to do. The topics should be relevant to the students, or they will feel it was a waste of time and throw a negative cloud over all the other activities.

What better way to bring out the thoughts and feelings of our students than a discussion about our diversity. It is difficult for some people to remain objective, so this is an opportunity for Team Leadership to make an impact on “how to talk about” sensitive issues without becoming upset or angry. The inability to honestly dialogue about race and racial issues is a major hindrance to achieving a world of equality and acceptance. We’re looking for common ground and to learn about how others view the world.

Good ideas do not – for the most part – come from inside someone’s head. Instead, they come from outside – specifically from social interaction. A study conducted in leading research laboratories found that scientists rarely, if ever, had a flash of inspiration or eureka moment alone in the lab.

Benefits of Group Discussions:

Helps students develop speaking skills in the students, as well as in front of groups.
Students hear ideas and observations they haven’t thought of.
Provides the team members with immediate feedback so they can answer questions quickly, and other students can benefit from the answer.
Increases students’ interest in societal matters. Give insight into their fellow students because they are made aware of how others see a situation.

Discussion Groups are for Teams and Members, not just students. The best results will come as everyone is made to feel their ideas are important. Schedule regular meetings on convenient, ask what days are best for everyone. Keep them short and to the point. Let everyone know what the topics will be so they can be prepared. A smaller group makes it easier for everyone to have a chance to speak.

Establishing the Discussion Group:

A small group of 6 to 12 students is a good size because it provides several different points of view and is small enough to allow each student to participate.
Mix-and-Match students, not only race, gender, and religion, but some shy and some outspoken are good to have.
Many students might have some observations they think are silly or stupid, even when they hear another student voice the same concern, they will be free to talk about it. The group atmosphere gives comfort to the shy person. The Team Leader must be sure to provide a non-judgmental environment.
The first time its just students and team members. Even though parents, teachers or older siblings would like to attend, it’s NO. Students will be intimidated, unresponsive and want to give the parental-approved answer. But, if things go well, ask the group if they would like to meet again and if the parents should be invited. Remember, we want to provide the experience to them as well.
Select a location that “feels” neutral, like a school classroom, someone’s house or faith organization’s facilities. We don’t want any adults to attend or supervise the group, only team members are invited. The idea is to provide a “free and open” environment.

Give ten to fifteen minutes from the starting time for casual walk-about introductions. Let everyone feel comfortable and just mingle. Then when the meeting starts bring everyone together and begin the conversation with a thank you for attending and state how important this time will be.

Tips on Leadership:

In the introduction, state there are no foolish or wrong opinions, and this is a non-judgmental gathering and continue to watch for even a side comment as they can be the most hurtful to another student.
During the discussion make sure that one or two students don’t dominate the conversation.
Prepare a general topic, or two, and let the students and team members know ahead of time so they can start thinking about what they want to say. More than two topics will make the discussion last too long.
After the introduction remember The Prime Directive: Listen Loudly, Speak Softly. Let the kids lead the way, the best results will come from student discourse. Guide the conversation and be purposeful in your direction.
If a team member notices a student who is not paying attention or is distracted, they can refocus that student by asking a question – which is much better than to call out for that student to “pay attention”.
Ensure that everyone shows respect towards each other, no judgement here. Make sure everyone feels valued.

Towards the end of the time give some feedback, ask them what they think about your observations.

Tips for Discussion Group Leaders from Harvard Business School

https://www.exed.hbs.edu/hbs-experience/learning-experience/discussion-leaders

Editors Note: Our discussion groups are not “business” but it can help to see what Harvard thinks about discussion groups.

Here are some introductory thoughts from Harvard about the benefits of discussion groups:

Being challenged by peers with different experiences and viewpoints will broaden your perspective and deepen your confidence.
Actively listening, questioning, and contributing will improve your effectiveness and the discussion group’s productivity. Listening is a most important attribute for future leaders.
Bonding with the members of your discussion group can lead to personal and professional relationships that last a lifetime. When children are part of a discussion group, they hear other views in a positive and confirming environment, which lets them be more open and accepting to different ideas and thoughts.

Steps to Follow:

Once the program begins, each discussion group is assigned a leader who serves as the facilitator for each case study. Here are some tips for leading an insightful and productive exchange.
Before you begin, make sure that all members understand the value of the discussion group process.
Think of yourself as a discussion facilitator. Your goal is to keep the group focused on moving through the case questions. Don’t feel that you need to master all the content more thoroughly than the other group members do.
Guide the group through the study questions for each assignment. Keep track of time so that your group can discuss all the cases and readings, instead of being bogged down in the first case of the morning or afternoon.
The study questions (if you think you need to, but not necessary for our children’s groups) are designed to keep the group focused on the key issues that will contribute to an effective discussion in the larger classroom meeting. Don’t let your peers stray too far into anecdotes or issues that aren’t relevant.
If a subset of your group appears to be dominating the discussion, encourage the less vocal members to participate. They’ll be more apt to speak up if you ask them to share their unique perspectives on the topic at hand.

Some Ideas for Topics:

First ask the students what topics they would like to discuss. While our background thinking is about Diversity, not every topic needs to be about diversity; in fact, no more than 50% is a good rule of thumb. Include some “light” talking points so the atmosphere is not thick or negative. We want to provide a positive experience, not one of disagreement. Remember the Mission is to provide a fun and interesting experience. The best results will be one of understanding and accepting another’s point of view, even though they disagree – that’s the respect we are looking for. Limit the time for each subject to ten to fifteen minutes, or things can become argumentative and negative. It’s upsetting to people when their issue is not accepted, they may become angry and that’s the last thing we want.

What are your hopes and concerns for this Christmas season? Anything of concern that might happen, like a fight against celebrating the holiday.
Ask students how they will celebrate the next holiday in their home and in their faith organization.
Invite three faith leaders to form a round table and discuss diversity and does it play a role in their faith?
Did your family discuss race very often? What did they talk about?
Equality vs Equity – what’s the difference?
Racial profiling – at airports and bus stations.
Is the news bias towards one side of the political spectrum?
Are the police being portrayed unfairly?
Invite Business Managers to discuss what they are doing to increase diversity. What do they think are the benefits?
Does the government have the right to regulate what we eat: banning Happy Meals, New York City ban on large sodas, etc.
Depending upon age – who is learning to drive, tell us about your experience.
Ask about Favorites:
1. Music, Art, and Movies.
2. Hobbies such as gardening, many families have wonderful gardens.
3. Clothing styles – what do they think will be the next big fashion.
4. Online popular web sites or influencers – good or bad.
5. Holidays and Festivals, secular and non-secular.