It is important at the first meeting of a group, whether it be a large lecture class or a small group seminar, to establish an explicit set of ground rules that will guide how the group operates subsequently.
All groups work according to a set of unspoken ground rules.
Making them explicit gives the group the choice of establishing the rules that would be most helpful for a constructive learning environment. Everybody has the right to be heard. Learning is the main task of the group, to be approached in a co-operative and not a competitive manner. Put-downs are not acceptable. Anyone can suggest adding to or changing the ground rules at any time.