Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is the range of process aimed at alleviating or eliminating sources of conflict. There are many different tools for conflict resolution like negotiation, mediation, community, building, advocacy, nonviolence, and counseling. Conflict resolution is a goal and skill necessary in everyday life, public and private. There are three basic steps to conflict resolution. The first is seek to understand; ask the powerful and positive question, what would help you feel better? The next step is to seek to be understood; share your feelings and needs. The last step is to mutually generate options and resolutions; brainstorm solutions and discuss each person’s feelings. Conflicts can result in destructive outcomes or creative ones depending on the approach that is taken.
Peer mediation is where students of the same age-group resolve problems between two people or small groups. This has been proven effective in schools across the United States. Peer mediators do not make decisions but work towards a win-win resolution for both sides in order to avoid further trouble. There was peer meditation in our elementary school and I was a peer mediator and I thought the program worked well. I think both these methods would work well if a conflict occurs. If a conflict occurs, try to solve it yourself but if the situation gets worse, seek help from a counselor or an adult.