Peer Mediation
Peer Mediation
Peer mediation is a conflict resolution process in which trained peers help others to settle disputes through dialogue and negotiation. It is a vehicle for communication, understanding and problem-solving skills, also creates a positive atmosphere at schools and communities.
What is the role of a peer mediator?
A peer mediator is a third party that acts as a neutral arbiter and facilitates discussions between the parties in conflict. They lead the debates, help articulate the issues, and motivate the participants to speak out their opinions and feelings. For instance, a peer mediator can intervene in a school setting where two students are in conflict over a group assignment and allow each of them to express their views and together come up with a solution.
How does peer mediation benefit students?
Peer mediation helps students a lot because it teaches them fundamental skills of conflict resolution, improves their ability to communicate effortlessly, and understand other people's feelings. It is like a school of responsibility and it promotes leadership because students learn to resolve conflicts productively. For example, students that are involved in peer mediation mostly say that they became friends with more people and a less amount of fighting happened at school, so they could be part of a more peaceful community at school.
What types of conflicts can be resolved through peer mediation?
Peer mediation can be an excellent way of dealing with conflicts of different kinds, like interpersonal disputes, bullying incidents, and misunderstandings among classmates. It is a perfect technique for those situations where the parties agree to have a dialogue. As an illustration, a misunderstanding about group assignment or an argument about seating arrangements can be solved through peer mediation, which helps the students come to a decision that they both accept.
How is a peer mediation program implemented in schools?
Peer mediation programs in schools mainly take root after the administrators conduct a training session of a certain number of students in mediation techniques and conflict resolution strategies. The training will contain workshops and role-playing with the aim of building their skills. After they have completed the training, peer mediators are able to set in the basic things for the same period, be it recess or lunch, with other students to their help in conflict resolution. The schools can also promote the program in assemblies or use posters to encourage the students to utilize this facility.