THERE’S NO WAY WE’RE GOING TO AGREE!
Having facilitated study circles for same-sex marriage and immigration issues, I have seen how the structure this method provides makes it possible for individuals who begin the group with firm, extreme positions, are able to respectfully listen to and consider other positions by those who hold different views as individuals.
A study circle is a small group of people who meet for an extended period to discuss and explore an issue or topic with a focus on improving the listening of the participants. In the United States, study circles have been formed around issues such as race relations, same-sex marriage and immigration. It is exactly such issues about which some speakers, unwilling to listen to other views, express strong opinions. The study circle format encourages people to express their opinions and listen openly to others.
Each study circle has a leader or facilitator who remains neutral throughout the process. The facilitator does not share personal opinions. The facilitator explains that the purpose of the study circle is to deliberate on the issue in a democratic and collaborative way.
The facilitator establishes the following basic group rules:
All views should get a fair hearing.
Personal attacks are not tolerated.
If someone says something that offends another group member, any member of the group should feel free to explain how the comment affected him or her.
It is important to hear from everyone in the group. People who tend to talk a lot should make special efforts to give others the opportunity to express their views.
The facilitator monitors the group by noting who has spoken, who hasn’t spoken and what points haven’t had a fair hearing. The facilitator actually says very little. The facilitator’s comments are typically suggestions for group process. For example, rather than providing summaries for the group, the facilitator may ask a group member to summarize. And the facilitator may ensure that reticent members have the opportunity to speak.
The facilitator also assists the group’s critical thinking by ensuring that a wide range of ideas are considered. The facilitator may ask the group to consider a point of view that is not represented in its membership. The facilitator may ask the group to consider advantages and disadvantages of different points of view and may ask the group to think about the values that underlie beliefs. The facilitator is prepared to ask open-ended questions to stimulate discussion.
Study circles highlight the difference between listening to argue and listening to understand. Some would say, “listening to understand,” is what is needed more of in today’s world.