Peer Mediation for Primary School Children
Monday, March 03, 2008
Conflict in and of itself is not positive or negative. Rather, it is the response to conflict that transforms it into either a destructive experience or a challenge offering the opportunity for growth. Learning how to respond to it constructively is a skill that should be taught in school. A school mediation program is one method teaching that skill. Peer mediation is successful because it empowers students, which motivates them to behave more responsibly. A peer mediation program has several goals:-to empower students to resolve conflicts-to teach problem-solving skills to students-to provide models for character via the peer mediators-to enhance communication skills When the peer mediation program was implemented in Mt. St. Catherine’s Primary School in Armagh City, the whole school - administrators, teachers and students - were given an orientation in mediation theory and practices. Thereafter, each class elects two of their fellow students as mediators. The selected mediators were then given more extensive training in mediation. Furthermore, after the initial training the mediators receive regular additional training during the school year. After the mediators are trained, students who were experiencing a conflict with another student can request mediation with the peer mediators. Each of the students in conflict must agree to work together to resolve the conflict and also agree to the following rules: no interrupting, no name-calling or put-downs, be as honest, and respect confidentiality. Peer Mediators are not allowed to give advice. They must remain non-judgmental. During the mediation the students discuss the facts, and their feelings about the problem. Each disputant listens to the other and the mediators assist them to see the other's point of view. Aided by the mediators, the disputants devise possible solutions for resolving their conflict to ensure that the problem will not occur again.Approximately 90% of all mediation sessions result in an agreement that satisfies both parties as well as teaching students the skills for solving conflicts not only improves their lives, but also improves the schools in which they learn.
Richard Stanton
Mediation Consultant
