Mediation And Community
Support Ltd (MACS)
enabling people to find workable solutions
in difficult situations in South Warwickshire
Peer Mediation
School aged children have always become involved in conflicts, but today, young people disagree with each other more often and over issues of less consequence than in the past. Students are quick to resort to violence to get what they want, physical fights can start at the toss of a remark, a sideways glance or an inadvertent bump.
The impact that student conflict has upon the educational process –from time on task to academic achievement to staff morale is undeniable. Teachers have various tools that they rely upon to deal with conflict including diffusing strategies, arbitration, creating a positive classroom climate, sanctions and punishments. All of these have their place, but are not very effective with conflicts that have a strong emotional component . Disciplinary systems rely almost exclusively upon sanctions and negative reinforcements and do not distinguish between disciplinary offences and interpersonal conflict.
Common problems reported in schools
Teachers using their time dealing with conflicts in the playground and classroom.
Student conflicts involving -
Bullying, teasing, name-calling, misunderstandings over property, friendships, yelling, hitting, kicking, threatening.
Hidden ‘effects’ of which include -
Low self esteem, self criticism, frustration, anger, withdrawal and disaffection.
How this service makes a difference
- By providing key workers experienced in mediation and conflict resolution to work collaboratively with the whole school and develop a mediation scheme appropriate for it.
- Help create a school climate that encourages caring, honesty, cooperation, and appreciation of diversity so that students are less likely to become involved in conflicts
- Teach conflict resolution skills to students so that they are better able to resolve conflict of their own and those of others
- Helping in conflicts that require outside assistance as early as possible to prevent them from escalating
- Makes efficient use of the school’s monetary, time and human resources
- Frees up time for learning
- Teaches students essential life skills of effective communication, appreciating the consequences of their actions, generating and evaluating alternative solutions to problems, and coexisting with people with whom they disagree.
- Motivates and empowers students to sort out their problems collaboratively.
- Increases self esteem.