Solving conflicts: Peer Mediation

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes and conflicts in which a neutral third party (parties) acts as a moderator for the process. In mediation, the goal is to work out differences constructively. Mediation provides schools with an alternative to traditional disciplinary practices. Students involved in this process, either as mediators or disputants, learn a new way of handling conflict.
In mediation, trained students help their classmates identify the problems behind the conflicts and to find solutions. Peer mediation is not about finding who is right or wrong. Instead, students are encouraged to move beyond the immediate conflict and learn how to get along with each other - an important skill in today's world. Peer mediators ask the disputing students to tell their stories and ask questions for clarification. The mediators help the students identify ways to solve the conflict.
In mediation, trained students help their classmates identify the problems behind the conflicts and to find solutions. Peer mediation is not about finding who is right or wrong. Instead, students are encouraged to move beyond the immediate conflict and learn how to get along with each other - an important skill in today's world. Peer mediators ask the disputing students to tell their stories and ask questions for clarification. The mediators help the students identify ways to solve the conflict.
A key component to any mediation process is letting each student tell his or her own story and then to feel as if someone understands his/her perspective. As W.A.V.E. mediator Nate Johnson says, "Just knowing someone understands really reduces the tension in mediation."
Not every kind of problem is suitable for peer mediation, For example, assault or other criminal activities are usually not referred to a school's mediation program. Common situations involving name-calling, rumors, bumping into students in the hallways, rumors, and bullying have been successfully resolved through peer mediation.
Several groups have specified a process for peer mediation. Teacher Talk has identified the points common to them. The following lists illustrate the ground rules and the steps of the mediation process. When both students agree to the ground rules, the mediation can proceed.

• Agree upon the ground rules
• Each student tells his/her story
• Verify the stories
• Discuss the stories
• Generate solutions
• Discuss solutions
• Select a solution
• Sign a contract

Participants should be willing to:
• Solve the problem
• Tell the truth
• Listen without interrupting
• Be respectful
• Take responsibility for carrying out the agreement
• Keep the situation confidential