Staffroom difficulties : a lesson plan for resolving conflict, negotiating, and mediating disputes in schools
Date
2003
Authors
Hall, Andrew B.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
This project began out of concern for teachers and teaching staffs that seem unable to
effectively resolve interpersonal disputes in schools. Existing policies and practice do
not seem to be satisfactory in dealing with the negative impact of serious disputes.
Like any other organization or workplace, schools experience conflict and there is a
need to deal positively and effectively with conflicts and disputes. In the past twenty
years academic study and practical experience in Conflict Resolution and Alternate
Dispute Resolution have progressed significantly across North America and around
the world. Often groups and individuals in dispute are unable to negotiate positive
outcomes and a third party mediator is required to help understand and resolve the
dispute. This project explores how some school staffs have incorporated the
knowledge and experience of conflict management and, especially, third party
mediation into their work-lives. Three practicing Alberta mediators were interviewed
to add their professional insight and experience into the project. One was a mediator
in private practice with an international reputation for teaching the mediation and
negotiation process. She was able to share a committed enthusiasm for her work and
valuable tips on mediation. The second mediator was an experienced Alberta public
school teacher and administrator who worked at sharing the conflict resolution
process with school staffs to create a better school climate. She was able to share
some of her specific challenges in introducing the process at the school level. The
third mediator was responsible for introducing the alternate dispute resolution process
to schools through the Calgary Board of Education. Tape-recorded interviews with
these three individuals were transcribed and their insights were added to a lesson plan for resolving conflict, negotiating, and mediating disputes in schools. Creating
systems for more effectively resolving conflict takes time and effort. Although there
are some individuals in the school system who intuitively understand the dynamics of
interest-based negotiation and mediation there is much more to be learned,
understood, and practiced on a daily basis by teachers and administrators. Mediation
skills are a valuable asset to any adult working in a school.
Description
vi, 102 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Interpersonal conflict , Conflict management , Mediation , School management and organization