Response discussion 3 to each with 100-150 words
Susanna
When participating in any type of discussion or meeting it is appropriate and desirable to establish what is and what is not allowed. This is the definition norms : “a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Norms are sets of rules that guide the behaviors of groups or societies. In our discussion, we are referring to group norms.
Norms vary between groups but professional discussion groups may have some of the following norms taken from Reid’s Dilemmas in Educational Leadership: “Start with the positive, support one another with sensitive comments, use discretion, base feedback on observable facts, give feedback only when asked, be honest, be professional.” (Reid, 2014) This is a very good list of acceptable and appropriate behaviors for a critical friends group of educational professionals who meet to collaborate on becoming better teachers. These are all very straightforward rules to follow, although it may be difficult at times. In addition, these norms are necessary for a facilitator to successfully achieve the goals of the group, stay within the time budget, and remind participants of the behavior that is desired to achieve those outcomes.
Three norms that I would strongly desire to be used in a professional group made up of myself and others would be to start with the positive, base feedback on observable facts, and be honest. I believe it is important to be considerate of others when discussing something important to them but I also see the value of giving and receiving constructive feedback. Starting with the positive is always a good rule so that people can see what they have done well but it also softens the blow of the potential hard feedback. Productive feedback will be based on observable work or facts and not people’s opinions. Lastly, honestly, when used appropriately can lead to trust and beneficial relationships between group members.
Lynette
The three norms I would implement during a professional group meeting are positive comments, being honest, and professionalism as stated in the text. No one wants to attend a group meeting where it starts off giving negative comments about the group in a professional setting. Starting off the group meeting being negative is a morale killer and will cause people to come up with excuses so they won’t have to attend. Starting off the meeting by being positive will boost morale and people will want to listen to what is being discussed in the group meeting. Also, they will receive the feedback that is given because of the positive tone. The second norm is being honest in the professional group. It is very important, to be honest in the professional group. Honesty goes a long way, especially in a professional group with those who are attending. Being honest allows the professional to improve areas of weakness. The third norm would be professional at all times during group meetings. It is important to be professional when conducting meetings. During the first week of school, teacher leaders are required to attend workshops discussing how to conduct meetings with the departmental team. During this meeting, we are required to lead by example and stick to the discussion
