HOW TO USE THIS LESSON: The webpage below is intended to be projected for students to follow along. It includes basic instructions, definitions, etc. to guide students. Depending on your technology, you can have a student in charge of scrolling through the site, on your cues. Just have them try not to scroll past the thin purple dividers or thick colored banners until you are ready to start that next section!
You will also need to download and/or print this facilitator's guide. This document contains extra instructions, facilitator's notes, and other behind-the-scenes content necessary for the lesson.
Objective: You will learn how to resolve conflict effectively through self-advocacy, reflection, non-violent communication, and respectful dialogue with others using reflection and de-escalation techniques.
Spend a few moments in individual reflection on the following questions. After a few moments, share your thoughts, if you feel comfortable.
Have you ever felt intimidated or afraid to speak up when someone is being aggressive or inappropriate? How did you feel? What did you do?
Listen to the following thought:
Making sure that you feel safe is critically important when deciding to confront an aggressor. There are psychological techniques you can use that are designed to elicit respectful dialogue while simultaneously motivating the aggressor to change their behavior, or at the very least, de-escalate their behavior in the situation. This is done by framing your conversation with motivational questions and reflection, not by arguing back. A lot of times using a compassionate, empathetic approach that gets to the root of the other person’s feelings behind their behavior, can help change the situation for the better. We will also discuss ways to de-escalate the situation through environmental changes and personal behaviors and mannerisms you can try if needed.
Today's topic can be difficult, and sharing your perspectives and stories today is encouraged,. Remember to take any identifiable information out of your examples for confidentiality.
Conflict mediation is about finding the safest, least argumentative way to resolve a conflict that arises.
As you go through the document with your teacher, reflect on the following questions:
Have you ever used any of these strategies? Are any of the examples harder to use? Does it depend on the circumstances? What circumstances might make these harder to use?
You will be practicing forming and responding using reflection statements to a story your partner presents. You will then switch roles and do the activity again so each partner can practice the reflection statements. You can choose which reflection statement you desire to use or feel fits the scenario.
After you have had an opportunity to practice, listen to the following thoughts:
These same reflective listening/reacting techniques can be used in situations that are more aggressive or inappropriate, as it is a way to de-escalate and empathize with the aggressor, while also changing the situation or behavior of the aggressor. It is a safe technique in that its purpose is to use affirming dialogue through reflective statements that aims to get at what the aggressor may be feeling through validation, but can also help mitigate the negative effects of the situation. It also holds the aggressor accountable by pushing them to reflect on their own emotional state.
Listen to the following thought and question:
Today we learned techniques to help us remedy conflict or help an agitated person de-escalate their behaviors.
What is one technique that stuck out to you and that you will attempt to use in the future if you are in a difficult situation like this?
Students that grasp the concept of conflict mediation can advance their skills by completing the directive reflecting statement worksheet. The intent of this activity is to have students move through examples of conflict and create their own strategies to react and reflect. This will enhance their own solution-based learning.
Students who are not grasping the learning goals of conflict mediation skills will watch a video simulation (4:20) and after viewing, write examples of when they saw de-escalation and/or reflection approaches.