Collaborative+Norms


 * __Collaborative Norms__**


 * Promoting a Spirit of Inquiry**

Exploring perceptions, assumptions, beliefs, and interpretations promotes the development of understanding. Inquiring into the ideas of others before advocating for one’s own ideas is important to productive dialogue and discussion.


 * Pausing**

Pausing before responding or asking a question allows time for thinking and enhances dialogue, discussion, and decision-making.


 * Paraphrasing**

Using a paraphrase starter that is comfortable for you – “So…” or “As you are…” or “You’re thinking…” – and following the starter with an efficient paraphrase assists members of the group in hearing and understanding one another as they converse and make decisions.


 * Probing**

Using gentle open-ended probes or inquiries – “Please say more about…” or “I’m interested in…” or “I’d like to hear more about…” or “Then you are saying…” increases the clarity and precision of the group’s thinking.


 * Putting ideas on the Table**

Ideas are the heart of meaningful dialogue and discussion. Label the intention of your comments. For example: “Here is one idea…” or “One thought I have is…” or “Here is a possible approach…” or “Another consideration might be…”.


 * Paying Attention to Self and Others**

Meaningful dialogue and discussion are facilitated when each group member is conscious of self and of others, and is aware of what (s)he is saying __and__ how it is said as well as how others are responding. This includes paying attention to learning styles when planning, facilitating, and participating in group meetings and conversations.


 * Presuming Positive Intentions**

Assuming that others’ intentions are positive promotes and facilitates meaningful dialogue and discussion, and prevents unintentional put-downs. Using positive intentions in speech is one manifestation of this norm.

//Adapted from 2006 Center for Adaptive Schools//

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