Ground rules create a safe and constructive environment for a group discussion.
Effective ground rules help to ensure that the second level of the adapted Maslow's hierarchy (emotional and social needs of the participants) are fulfilled. Read more about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs here.
Keep the rules to a minimum – three to five rules will be easier for the group to remember. Consider using rules that your students are already familiar with and have used in other curriculum areas, such as in English or PSHE (Physical, Social and Health Education) lessons.
Some suggestions include:
- Respect everyone’s opinion, even if it is not the same as yours.
- Only one person at a time may speak, so views can be expressed without interruption.
- Be conscious of body language and non-verbal responses as these can say just as much as words.
- Challenge the idea, not the individual.
Download PDF (185 Kb) with more information about ground rules and discussion practicalities.