Guidelines Anticipate and enjoy moments of silence. The guidelines below are intended primarily for oral philosophical discussion in formal settings: colloquia, conferences, seminars, classes, and so on. To conduct a group discussion, start by having everyone introduce themselves. LEAN INTO DISCOMFORT. The chair should attempt to balance the discussion among participants, prioritizing those who have not spoken before (it isn’t mandatory to call on people in the order of seeing them). To follow up on an existing question by someone else, raise your finger. Progressive Stack is a form of leading discussions which involves a facilitator keeping a list of names of people who wish to speak. Home; About. Using emoticons and writing in “texting” language, that is by … Groups are encouraged to adapt and modify these guidelines for their purposes as they see fit. 1. David Chalmers has put together a wonderful list of guidelines for respectful philosophical discussion. The guidelines for respectful interactions and discussions were adapted from the NYU Department of Philosophy’s “Guidelines for Respectful Discussions” and incorporate GPH’s core values, which were identified through staff retreats and online surveys. Our job as facilitators is to help us have a good discussion where all views can be voiced in a safe and respectful environment. 4. Procedural norms (for Q&A after talks; some are specific to the hand/finger system). Be willing to experience some discomfort in discussions, and learn from it as a team! Conversation Guidelines It is by no means easy to hold beliefs for which you would be willing to die, and yet to remain open to new insights; but it is precisely such a combination of commitment and inquiry that constitutes religious maturity (Ian Barbour) Expectations for eCircle Contributors If someone who is of an oppressed group raises their hand, they go to the top of the list unless they have already contributed significantly to the discussion. Many people have different levels of experience, knowledge, and feelings in social justice and radical activism and all participants should respect and embrace this diversity. Another respectful communication strategy for healthy teamwork is known as the E.G.O. Remember that it’s quite possible to violate these norms without being a bad person. ", We have a limited amount of time for discussion and to accomplish the tasks before us. Managers should: make sure the team have completed available training in relation to diversity, health and safety, discrimination, and bullying and harassment Then, explain the topic that’s up for discussion and ask … 2. EXAMPLE 1: Guidelines for Class Participation . However, speaking while others are talking or adding comments when they cannot respond appropriately does not build community. Raise one question per question (follow-ups are OK, but questions on different topics go to the back of the queue). The chair should keep a list of questioners rather than making people raise their hands repeatedly. 1) Assume good faith in your fellow comrades. Strategies are required for supporting a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect, fairness and dignity. implicit gender biases) when calling on questioners and applying these norms. Please try to speak from experience, speak for yourself, and actively listen to each other. Assume that stories and comments shared at meetings should remain private. In this post we will explain the best practices that help reduce risk, mitigate issues, and facilitate respectful online discussions between all parties. Approach. Having a set of agreements will help ensure that your meetings are respectful and provide a safe place for everyone. Thanks to many philosophers for their suggestions so far. All this is a highly tentative work in progress. 1. 3. IV. Whatever the context, it is helpful to structure such discussions in a way that defines boundaries for the process and provides some degree of closure within the classroom. Remember that philosophy isn’t a zero-sum game. Respectful behaviour displays personal integrity and professionalism, practices fairness and understanding, demonstrates respect for individual rights and differences and encourages accountability for one's actions. In a talk, the speaker can ask the chair to suspend some norms (especially norms of constructiveness), though the chair needn’t agree. COM 665 Discussion Participation October 2015.docx DISCUSSION POST #1: Guiding Principle for Conflict – Mediation – Respect of Parties My guiding principle for conflict is respect for all parties in the … Acknowledge points made by previous questioners. Don’t start side conversations parallel to the main discussion. The E.G.O. Objections are fine, but it’s also always OK to be constructive, building on a speaker’s project or strengthening their position. Respect, diversity and good working relationships. 1. While we all don’t have to agree on everything, we should respect our diversity of opinions. A difficult class discussion may come up in any subject, but particularly in classes where social and political issues are a part of the curriculum. Maximum two minutes per question (modified version: after two minutes, interruptions are OK). Don’t interrupt, turn to technology, or engage in private conversations while others are speaking. Structure: Evidence of local arrangements to provide staff training on treating people with compassion, respect and dignity that includes specific reference to people who self‑harm. It’s OK to question the presuppositions of a project or an area, but discussions in which these questions dominate can be unhelpful. Our Community Guidelines are intended to ensure that every neighbor feels welcome, safe, and respected when using Nextdoor. Respect in the Workplace. 2. 2. You can read these before meetings and forums. 6) Respect the facilitator when they use Progressive Stack. Even when an objection is destructive with respect to a position, it often helps to find a positive insight suggested by the objection. It’s reasonable for chairs to apply the norms flexibly and context-sensitively, but watch out for reintroducing biases in doing so. Policing usually works better with a light touch. Hold back... 2. If there’s time, take a 3-5 minute break before Q&A (for resting, leaving, and formulating questions). PLEASE REVIEW DISCUSSION GUIDELINES ATTACHMENT BEFORE WRITING RESPONSE…STRICT GUIDELINES HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT!!! We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. To this end, the department has compiled a list of guidelines to facilitate discussion of this sort. Follow-ups should pick up directly on the existing discussion, rather than being tangentially or distantly related (for follow-ups of that sort, raise your hand). Step back to leave space for others to voice their opinions and feelings. Acknowledge your interlocutor’s insights. This has been helpful at DSA and YDS meetings, especially when new people are present. Establish a clear code of conduct for participants. You don’t need to keep pressing the same objection (individually or collectively) until the speaker says uncle. 3) Please ask yourself "Why am I Talking? 5. 5) We have “one mic” so do not interrupt or speak while others are talking. If the chair violates the norms, feel free to say so then or afterwards. The facilitator nods and makes eye contact to indicate the person is now put on the list to speak, and then the person can put their hand down so it does not distract other discussion participants. Prioritize junior people in calling on questions (modified version: don’t prioritize senior people). 8. Establish clear guidelines and terms of participation. 8. (Related version: philosophy isn’t Fight Club.). If you see posts or comments that violate these guidelines, please report it so that we may remove it. DSA Guidelines for Respectful Discussion 1) Assume good faith in your fellow comrades Assume good faith in each other. Ask for consent before you share someone’s story or comment. Assume good faith in your fellow comrades. (I’ve certainly violated most of them myself.). If you are sharing data, please include your source for clarity and to help support the discussion with facts. Many people from different backgrounds have different definitions of what it means to be an "activist" or "radical." Instead, you should address the comment itself. See the NYU guidelines for respectful discussion for a simplified and adapted version of this list. NYU guidelines for respectful philosophical discussion The NYU department of philosophy encourages its members to be respectful, constructive, and inclusive in philosophical discussion. Consider whether or not what you want to say has already been said, whether what you want to say is on topic or if there’s a better time and place to say it, and other methods for showing how you feel about the conversation (nodding your head, etc. in seminars. These probably aren’t exceptionless categorical norms (there are situations in which it is appropriate to be disrespectful, destructive, and exclusive). This especially applies to participants who have privileged backgrounds. Approach. 7. Help create a safe and inclusive space for everybody. 2) Know whether you need to "step up" or "step back". RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY. 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. If there’s time, take a 3-5 minute break before Q&A (for resting, leaving, and formulating questions). DSA Guidelines for Respectful Discussion. 4. The ReSPECT process creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care and treatment in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices. Don’t present objections as flat dismissals (leave open the possibility that there’s a response). However, the facilitator does not simply write a list of names in the order that people raise their hand. The facilitator scans the group during discussion and if someone wishes to speak, they raise their hand and catch the facilitator’s eye. If you have a disagreement, wait for your turn to address it. 7. Hand/finger system [optional]: To raise a new question at any point, raise your hand until the chair acknowledges you and adds you to the list. Meetings and topics can sometimes be challenging. When someone makes a point, repeat what you heard, summarize, and ask clarifying questions like “did you mean X” or “what makes you say that” to get more information. 9. We want to “call each other in” rather than calling each other out — in other words, if you are challenging someone’s ideas or behavior, do it respectfully, and if you are being challenged, receive it respectfully. Don’t write anything that sounds angry or sarcastic, even as a joke, because without hearing your … Suggestions for addition, subtraction, and change are more than welcome. Don’t use language that’s clearly oppressive or hurtful. If a team member is experiencing a challenging problem, provide Empathy.Next, discuss the problem and set a Goal for creating a solution. Please respect others by recognizing how often, much, and loud you’re speaking and whether or not you’re dominating conversation. 6. Who said movement building can’t be fun? In short discussion periods, or with a short time remaining, this may be difficult; disallowing fingers helps. It’s focussed on in-person discussion, e.g. Assume good faith in each other. 9. VI. Very brief discussion guidelines could include items like: Allow everyone a chance to speak Listen respectfully and actively Criticize ideas, not individuals Commit to learning, not debating Avoid blame, speculation, inflammatory language Avoid assumptions about … Meetings are more productive — and more fun — when the conversation includes everyone. We’ve also shared them with our coalition partners as a useful resource. 6. 5. Assume good faith in each other. If the facilitator of the meeting asks you to wrap up, recognize that you should step back. Assume good faith in your fellow comrades. When someone makes a point, repeat what you heard, Includes classroom discussion questions, writing assignments, and student activities. 6. 2. Unless you’re speaker, existing questioner, or chair, don’t speak without being called on (limited exceptions for occasional jokes and other very brief interjections, not to be abused). Respect the chair’s enforcement of these norms. The Democratic Socialists of America is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 80,000 members. 5. UPHOLD COMMITMENTS. Despite their many shortcomings, they deserve your attention and respect during class discussions. Listen respectfully. A teaching guide for the virtue of respect. Finally, identify the reasonable Options available to solve the problem; choose which option to use and move forward. This is a great opportunity for people to get to know one another, building lasting friendships and relationships, to laugh, love, and build a movement. That doesn't mean that there won't be disagreement and some tension about important issues. 4. 8. Assume good faith in each other. (We’ve sometimes asked for volunteers to read each one off.) The chair should try to pace things so that everyone who has a question can ask a question. Don’t use unnecessarily offensive examples. Respectful discussions with parents about their smoking Suggested lines Broaching the subject of smoking with parents for the first time can be difficult, however once you become comfortable with your own language around the issue it becomes second nature. ), 4) Please recognize and respect others feelings, background, and cultural differences. 3. Try not to be defensive when a violation is pointed out. Please, refrain from using acronyms or complicated language that could exclude others. Encourage yourself and others to maintain a positive attitude, honor the work of others, avoid defensiveness, be open to legitimate critique and challenge oppressive behaviors in ways that help people grow. You may also distribute guidelines as a discussion starter and decide as a class which ones to implement, or ask students to generate ideas together during class and create a classroom contract (Example 4) that students can sign and submit. Potential additional norms (mostly suggested by others; for various reasons I haven’t included them on the canonical list, but I’m sympathetic with many of them, and they’re certainly worth considering). Don’t roll your eyes, make faces, laugh at a participant, etc, especially to others on the side. Bio; Contact; CV; Site History; Site Map; Books. 4. What is a Difficult Class Discussion? Don’t dominate the discussion (partial exception for the speaker here!). 3. Utilize the institution’s established guidelines for network etiquette in order to address respect between students and instructors. And, as always, please inform organizers of inappropriate behavior immediately. Even objections can often be cast in a constructive way. 5. Letting comments slip by only makes the space less safe and increases the difficulty of building successful partnerships. If Unlikeable Joe posts a ridiculous comment to your class board, you absolutely must refrain from responding to Joe, as the owner of the comment. 1. 6. But a lot of it carries over very well to the internet– and, I think, would vastly improve the blogosphere if widely followed. For grades 5-9. In a 60-minute conversation there may be … On the other hand, if you don’t often speak up, we encourage you to do so now! 2. The specific norms are intended as means of facilitating more general norms of being respectful, constructive, and inclusive. Encourage students to work collaboratively in developing a respectful environment. 5. But in many philosophical contexts, they are useful norms to have in place. The following guidelines can help instructors facilitate classroom discussion around controversial issues. Recognize that everyone has a piece of the truth, everybody can learn, and everybody has the ability to teach and share something. Try not to let your question (or your answer) run on forever. Share responsibility for including all voices in the conversation. Home » Modules » Effective Communication » Effective Communication High School » Guidelines for a Respectful Class Discussion. It’s OK to ask a question that you think may be unsophisticated or uninformed. Ask permission to follow up your own question (modified version: ask permission for any follow-up after the first). Rather, if someone who has not spoken raises their hand, they go to the top of the list. Hold back questions until after the break. Many of us will have different opinions on matters. Guidelines for respectful discussion August 9, 2016 ~ Alice I’m making a lot of progress in putting together a document with guidelines for ensure that the department is inclusive, not just in terms of teaching but also in terms of the other activities and events which go on within the community around the department. Please try to speak from experience, speak for yourself, and actively listen to each other. Philosophy of Mind: Classical and Contemporary Readings, Explaining Consciousness: The Hard Problem. Please try to speak … Next, establish some ground rules, like treating everyone with respect, no interrupting, and being succinct. 6. Community Guidelines Community Guidelines A few points to note when you are taking part in the community... Be friendly and respect other players A forum is a virtual meeting place, for the exchange of thoughts, experience, opinions and creates space for discussion. 3. Many of them have some application to informal philosophical discussion and to nonphilosophical discussion as well. (Partial exception for signalling norm violations to the chair.). Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Regulation 10. We hope that you will say what is on your mind. Please respect these guidelines at all Sac DSA Events. 3. 1. 7. Respectful discussion guidelines are helpful for keeping things focused too. Respectful workplaces don't just happen, they are built. This is basic politeness. 1. When norms are violated, the chair is encouraged to gently point this out, and others should feel free to say something or to signal the chair. guidelines for respectful, constructive, and inclusive philosophical discussion 1. The chair rather than the speaker should field questions (to avoid various biases). When in discussion, please ask yourself "Why am I talking (WAIT)?" Following up your own question is usually fine (unless time is short), but follow-up rounds should usually be increasingly brief, and think twice about whether third and later rounds are really needed. The chair rather than the speaker should field questions (to avoid various biases). If you find yourself thinking that the project is worthless and there is nothing to be learned from it, think twice before asking your question. Quality measure. 5. Avoid emoticons and “texting” writing. If it’s more comfortable to do so, it’s also fine to quietly point out violations after the seminar (or to tell the chair who can talk to the offender). Remember, mistakes will be made, nobody is perfect. It’s fine to negotiate these norms as a group in advance. The intention of this regulation is to make sure that people using the service are treated with respect and dignity at all times while they are receiving care and treatment. Object to theses, don’t object to people. After someone shares his thoughts, allow for a time of silence to let the thoughts soak in. People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in making decisions about your care. Please try to speak from experience, speak for yourself, and actively listen to each other. 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