PEER MEDIATION (SCHOOLS)
Mediation is a process for resolving conflicts in which a neutral third party assists the disputing parties process to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
In mediation, the goal is to clearly identify:
- the issues,
- the needs of the disputants with respect to the issues,
- a range of possible solutions and
- a solution agreeable to all parties involved.
In peer mediation, trained students help their classmates identify the problems behind the conflicts and to find solutions. Peer mediation is not about determining who is right or wrong. Instead, students are encouraged to move beyond the immediate conflict and learn how to get along with each other - an important skill in today's world!
A key component to any mediation process is letting each person tell his or her own story and then to feel as if someone understands his/her perspective. Just knowing someone understands reduces the tension level in the conflict. Peer mediators ask the disputing students to tell their stories and ask questions for clarification. The mediator then helps the students identify ways to resolve the conflict.
The following presents the usual steps in the mediation process:
- Those in dispute agree to mediation
- Those in dispute agree upon a mediator
- Those in dispute agree upon the ground rules
- Each student tells his/her story
- Those in dispute identify the problems (issues)
- Those in dispute explore possible solutions
- Those in dispute select a solution and
- Those in dispute sign an agreement.
In order for mediation to be successful participants should be willing to:
- solve the problem,
- tell the truth,
- listen without interrupting,
- be respectful,
- take responsibility for carrying out the agreement,
- keep the situation confidential.
Mediation provides schools with an alternative to traditional disciplinary practices. Students involved in this process, either as mediators or disputants, learn a new way of handling conflict.
However, not every kind of problem is suitable for peer mediation.
Assault or other criminal activities, which involve the police and the courts, are not usually referred to a school's mediation program.School administrators must be willing to adapt the punitive aspect of the school conduct codes to incorporate the mediation process before instituting a peer mediation program.
Peer mediation can be expanded to include disputes between students and staff or teachers. However, this is somewhat more difficult in that there is an effective, or at least, perceived power imbalance between the disputants.Mediators must always be aware of perceived or real power (authority) imbalances present between disputing parties. Such imbalances usually interfere with a free and open discussion of issues, needs and possible solutions.
FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION SERVICE OR
MORE INFORMATION CLICK HEREElgin Counselling & Mediation Centre
19 Queen Street, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada N5R 3H9
Phone: (519) 633-4423 | Fax: (519) 633-3240
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