Peer+Mediation

=Peer Mediation=

What is Peer Mediation? Peer Mediation is a method of conflict resolution done by students, for students.

**Peer mediation is both a program and a process** where students of the same age-group facilitate resolving disputes between two people or small groups. This process has proven effective in schools around the United States, changing the way students understand and resolve conflict in their lives. Changes include improved self-esteem, listening and critical thinking skills, and school climate for learning, as well as reduced disciplinary actions and less fights. These skills are transferable outside of the classroom. peer mediators do not "make decisions" but rather work towards a win-win resolution for both sides in order to avoid further trouble. Administrators in charge of discipline incorporate conflict resolution into their strategies and processes
 * The process is voluntary for both sides;**
 * Types of problems include**

source:
 * Rumor and gossip || Minor assaults and fighting, ||
 * Relationship difficulties/harassment || Cheating and stealing, ||
 * Racial and cultural confrontations || Vandalism ||
 * Classroom or extracurricular disputes ||

media type="youtube" key="BEWYf0pbO54" height="344" width="425" by [|madmexman]

What is Peer Mediation like? How does it work? media type="youtube" key="zsRKgJx-Dvk" height="344" width="425" by [|dajank]


 * Steps for Mediation:** Shrumpf, Crawford & Bodine (1997) created steps for peer mediation:

source: Wikipedia

How do we implement Peer Mediation? This guide gives great info.

How do we train ourselves? What is the Peer Mediation process like?
 * Peer Mediation Training and Process**

Peer mediators need to be carefully chosen (see //Peer Mediation Selection//). The intensive student training usually lasts twelve or more hours and is conducted by the program coordinator. The students participate in activities and role plays that promote empathy, self-respect, self-discipline, responsibility, bias awareness, patience and respectfulness. They gain an understanding of conflict and learn strategies for dealing with anger. Confidentially is stressed. Students practice the following mediation techniques and skills: //Characteristics of a Peer Mediator// //A Peer Mediator Does Not …// //Procedure for Peer Mediator// > source
 * Communicating verbally and nonverbally
 * Active listening
 * Problem analysis
 * Identifying common interests
 * Plan development
 * Cares about others
 * Is serious about helping peers solve their problem
 * Provides an opportunity for both disputants to tell their story
 * Listens carefully and respectfully
 * Is sensitive to each child's feelings
 * Is patient and friendly
 * Physically restrain peers
 * Place blame
 * Take sides
 * Judge guilt or innocence
 * Make decisions regarding a solution
 * Force a solution on disputants
 * 1) Introduce oneself, welcome the disputants, and ask each disputant their name and grade level.
 * 2) Explains mediator's neutral role in facilitating a peaceful solution to the problem, and discuss the ground rules which the disputants must agree to follow for the mediation to continue. The ground rules include:
 * Doing their best to solve the problem
 * Telling the truth
 * Being polite; no put-downs or threats
 * Listening to each other without interrupting
 * Agreeing to a solution
 * Signing a written agreement
 * Taking responsibility for carrying out the agreement
 * Keeping the mediation confidential
 * 1) Define the problem by asking each student to tell their story.
 * "Please describe what happened."
 * "Tell me your story."
 * 1) Listen to and reflects on the content and feelings expressed by both students.
 * "If I understand you correctly ...."
 * "I can see that you are angry."
 * 1) Show understanding of each child's perspective through your nonverbal reactions and comments.
 * "Is this what I heard you say ...?"
 * 1) Verify the stories by paraphrasing what was said.
 * "Are you saying that ...?"
 * 1) Ask the disputants to speak directly to each other as they discuss their issues, feelings, needs, and hopes.
 * "I need each of you to look at each other when you talk."
 * 1) Keep them on the topic.
 * "I need you to stay on the topic."
 * "Is there anything else either of you want to share about ...?"
 * 1) Ask clarifying questions and summarize the concerns and issues.
 * "Is the main concern ...?"
 * "It sounds like you agree (or disagree) that ...."
 * 1) Ask them to brainstorm ways to solve the problem.
 * "What are some of your ideas on how to solve this problem?"
 * 1) Look for areas of agreement and present possible solutions.
 * "Let's see, would ... work for you (and you)?"
 * 1) Together decide what to try. Clarify the first step that needs to be taken. Who will do what and when? Write down the solution in an agreement.
 * 2) Decide on a consequence if either party does not follow through and add it to the agreement.
 * 3) Have both students sign the agreement.
 * 4) Congratulate them and have them shake hands.