Introduction

In any dynamic community, including educational settings, conflicts are an inevitable part of human interaction. However, when unaddressed or poorly managed, disagreements among students, staff, parents, or even within the wider community can escalate, disrupting the learning environment, hindering academic progress, and damaging relationships. Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Schools are therefore not just reactive measures but proactive strategies essential for cultivating a positive school culture, promoting social-emotional learning, and ensuring a safe and productive space for all. Equipping educators with the skills to effectively identify, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts through constructive means is crucial for transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and fostering a more harmonious educational experience. This essential training course focuses on equipping educational professionals with the expertise to master Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Schools.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower school leaders, teachers, counselors, social workers, and administrative staff with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to implement and champion effective conflict resolution and mediation strategies within their school communities. Participants will gain a deep understanding of conflict dynamics, explore various resolution approaches, learn key mediation techniques, and acquire skills in fostering communication, empathy, and problem-solving among disputants. The course will delve into topics such as active listening, restorative justice practices, peer mediation programs, addressing bullying, managing parent-teacher disagreements, de-escalation techniques, and building a conflict-competent school culture. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Schools, participants will be prepared to transform conflict into constructive dialogue, build stronger relationships, and create a more peaceful and productive learning environment for everyone.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• School Principals and Vice Principals
• School Counselors and Psychologists
• Classroom Teachers at all levels
• School Social Workers
• Deans of Students and Discipline Coordinators
• School Resource Officers (if applicable)
• Special Education Teachers
• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Leaders
• Administrative Staff with student/parent contact
• Aspiring School Leaders

Objectives

• Understand the nature and dynamics of conflict within school settings.
• Learn about various approaches to conflict resolution, from informal to formal.
• Acquire proficiency in fundamental mediation skills for facilitating dialogue.
• Comprehend strategies for de-escalating tensions and managing difficult conversations.
• Explore methodologies for implementing peer mediation programs in schools.
• Understand the role of restorative justice practices in addressing school conflicts.
• Gain insights into managing specific conflicts (e.g., bullying, parent-teacher disputes).
• Develop a framework for building a conflict-competent and harmonious school culture.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Conflict in Educational Settings

• Defining conflict and its various forms in schools (interpersonal, intergroup, systemic).
• Common sources of conflict among students, staff, and parents.
• The conflict cycle and stages of escalation.
• Positive and negative outcomes of conflict.
• The role of perception, emotions, and communication in conflict.

Module 2: Approaches to Conflict Resolution

• Different conflict styles: avoiding, accommodating, competing, compromising, collaborating.
• Overview of various resolution strategies: negotiation, mediation, arbitration.
• Informal conflict resolution techniques for daily classroom management.
• The importance of early intervention and addressing conflict constructively.
• When to choose which approach.

Module 3: Introduction to Mediation Skills

• Defining mediation and its benefits in school contexts.
• The role and qualities of an effective mediator.
• The mediation process: opening, gathering information, identifying interests, generating options, agreement.
• Active listening skills for mediators: paraphrasing, summarizing, reflecting feelings.
• Asking open-ended and clarifying questions.

Module 4: Communication and De-escalation Techniques

• Effective communication in conflict: "I" statements, non-violent communication.
• Understanding verbal and non-verbal cues in conflict situations.
• Strategies for de-escalating anger and high-tension situations.
• Managing emotional responses in oneself and others.
• Setting boundaries and maintaining safety during heated discussions.

Module 5: Peer Mediation Programs

• The benefits of peer mediation for students and school culture.
• Designing and implementing a peer mediation program.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising student mediators.
• Promoting peer mediation within the school community.
• Case studies and practical exercises for peer mediation.

Module 6: Restorative Justice Practices in Schools

• Introduction to restorative justice philosophy and principles.
• Restorative conversations and circles for addressing harm.
• Moving from punitive discipline to repairing relationships.
• Implementing restorative practices for bullying, truancy, and behavioral issues.
• Integrating restorative justice into existing school discipline policies.

Module 7: Managing Specific School Conflicts

• Addressing bullying and cyberbullying: prevention, intervention, and support for victims.
• Resolving parent-teacher and parent-school administration conflicts.
• Mediating student-to-student and teacher-to-teacher disputes.
• Strategies for managing conflicts involving diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Handling conflicts with external community members.

Module 8: Building a Conflict-Competent School Culture

• Integrating conflict resolution skills into curriculum (social-emotional learning).
• Professional development for staff on conflict management.
• Establishing clear conflict resolution policies and procedures.
• Creating a safe space for open dialogue and addressing grievances.
• Sustaining a culture of peace, empathy, and respectful communication.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training