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GSI Teaching & Resource Center
University of California, Berkeley
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Suggested Ground Rules
- Listen to one another respectfully and attentively (e.g., look at the person who is speaking; don't look bored or uninterested when someone is speaking; don't interrupt, wait until the speaker has finished before asking a question or expressing a view; don't engage in side conversations).
- Accept that students will sometimes disagree with others' points of view. Agree to honor them nonetheless.
- Avoid using put-downs (even humorous ones).
- Consider confidential anything said during discussion.
- Be responsible for the quality of the discussion.
- Be open to new ideas and free to experiment with new or poorly formed ideas.
- Acknowledge if you are hurt or offended by something that has been said.
- Accept that people sometimes make mistakes or are misinformed.
- Feel free to participate and give others an opportunity to do so as well.
- Do not monopolize the discussion.
- Be sensitive to others' needs, especially to the need for privacy.
- Acknowledge that racism, sexism, class discrimination and stereotypes exist and try actively to combat them.
- Feel free to admit that they don't understand something and ask for clarification.
- Speak and listen to others as they would like others to speak and listen to them.
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