How to Resolve Conflicts in the Classroom
Conflicts inevitably come up in the classroom, but it is up to the teacher to help resolve them effectively. Rather than the teacher moderating the conflict, it is preferable for the teacher to give students the tools they will need to resolve the conflict on their own. These conflict-resolution tools will help students not only in the classroom but also for years to come.
Instructions
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Teach students the concept of an "I Statement," or a statement that focuses on the emotions that the speaker feels, as well as a possible solution. For example, rather than saying, "He called me a name! He's so mean!" students should say, "I feel upset when I get called names. I would like him to call me by my real name instead." This will change the focus of the discussion from blaming to solving a problem, which will make the listener less defensive.
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Teach students the concept of active listening, in which the person who is listening repeats back what the speaker has said in his own words. This makes the speaker feel validated and makes sure that the listener fully understands the other person's point of view.
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Encourage students to practice conflict resolution using the skills from the previous steps to work out a fabricated disagreement. One student should present an "I Statement," the other one should listen actively and then present her own "I Statement," and then the two should work together to reach a resolution.
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Teach students various methods they can use to calm themselves if they feel that they are too upset to resolve conflicts effectively. Examples might be taking a deep breath, counting to ten, or walking away and coming back later. This will enable them to solve their problems at a calm time, rather than when both of them are feeling extreme emotions.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure students understand that interruptions are not allowed during active listening and that both sides must agree on a resolution before moving on.
Create a "Quiet Corner" for students who need it to calm down, especially in younger grades.
Do not approach a strong student who threatens physical violence. Make a call to the main administrative office for additional assistance.
References
- Photo Credit two girls image by forca from Fotolia.com
