Civics Education Conflict Resolution: Strategies and the Democratic Model of Problem Solving

Conflict at School Looks Like Between student and student Between teacher and student Between teacher and parent Between teacher and principal Between teacher and teacher

What is conflict

Two Principles of Culture and Conflict Resolution There is ambiguity in diversity. Respect for diversity, an open mind, hope, patience, faith, and well-developed listening skills are important for improving our relations with others We can increase our effectiveness as intercultural communicators and conflict resolvers

Patterns of Cultural Differences Important to Resolving Conflict Different communication styles Different attitudes towards conflict Different approaches to completing tasks Different decision-making styles Different attitudes towards disclosure Different ways people come to know things

Culture, Values, and Conflict Resolution We compare people and events based on our own value systems Each culture thinks its own ways are superior Our culture and values influence what we see, hear, feel, smell, and taste as well as how we make sense of what we we experience

Culture, Values, and Conflict Resolution (cont’d) We all have biases and prejudices People are not necessarily evil for being biased or prejudiced Intercultural problems may occur when a person from one culture is suddenly thrust into another culture that is markedly different or when a person of one group tries to communicate with a person from another group

Culture, Values, and Conflict Resolution (cont’d) There are no absolute “right” responses -- only “right” or “wrongs” ones within any given culture. People and groups are different, not afflicted. Not every conflict involving people who are different is caused by cultural differences We cannot know all things about all cultures

Culture, Values, and Conflict Resolution (cont’d) There are no universal intercultural problem-solving methods In every culture people communicate because they want to be listened to and they want to be understood In every culture people respond to respect and disrespect Everyone is ethnocentric: we look through the world through culture-colored glasses

Courses of Action in Managing Conflict

Strategies for Managing Conflict Negotiating Compromising Active Listening Threat Free Explanation Apologizing Soliciting Intervention

Strategies for Managing Conflict (cont’d) Postponing Distracting Abandoning Exaggerating Humor Chance, Sharing, Taking Turns

Maladaptive Strategies for Managing Conflict (cont’d) Violence Flight Tattling

Negotiated Role-Plays Preparation Negotiating Debriefing RESOURCES: www. workablepeace.org www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/worldbalance Source: Smith,S. (2004). “Teaching for Civic Participation with Negotiation Role Plays” Social Education 68 (3): 194-197.

No Lose Method For Democratically Solving Problems I messages to frame problem - Perception Check by other Reverse roles and repeat Brainstorm at least 3 possible solutions Evaluate and select best solution Sign a contract and agree to a follow-up meeting

Review and Development In Groups of three to five Summarize the Key Points Expand and Add Ideas Raise Questions for Clarification