Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution helps students learn how to deal with disagreements among themselves and peers. Students learn to resolve conflicts in productive and healthy ways, which prevents repeated and/ or escalating behaviors (Grasley-Boy et al., 2020).

Strategies:

• Set clear classroom behavior expectations

• Model positive behavior

• Reward students for positive reinforcement

• Teach social-emotional skills

• Provide student leadership in the classroom

Through conflict resolution, students learn essential life skills needed for the future. Communication, problem-solving, empathy, and collaboration are all skills gained through conflict resolution (Grasley-Boy et al., 2020). The life skills help students navigate life's challenges and help build their resiliency.

Strategies:

• Teacher-mediated discussion with students

• Counselor-mediated discussion with students

• Peer mediator discussion with students.

• Conflict resolution training for students and staff during intervention periods

Conflict resolution encompasses restorative practices. Restorative practices repair harm, address conflict, and hold students accountable for the damage done to others (Grasley-Boy et al., 2020). Through dialogue and understanding, students can voice their hurts and frustrations and collaborate to resolve conflict.  

Strategies:

• Restorative Circles: participants sit in a circle with a trained facilitator to lead discussions

• Restorative Dialogue: both parties have time to talk and explain the situation. "I" statements are used. Solutions or agreements are given to restore the relationship