I wonder if a return to teaching rhetoric, the cornerstone of a classical education, would assist? Being able to construct an argument and engage in debate where one gets to see another point of view (or perhaps represent views one doesn't hold) would surely be an improvement of the retreat to 'safe spaces' we now have? You can't counter an alternative viewpoint by hiding from it. You need to engage and debate.

Dear all,

I strongly believe that violent conflicts at school can be prevented by violeng free communication, school mediation and negotiation. Trainings for teachers and pupils would bd dedireable. It is done in practice in my country in some, but not all schools...

Best Carsten

dear @ Carsten Weerth, thank u for ur answer based on real life experience

I wonder if a return to teaching rhetoric, the cornerstone of a classical education, would assist? Being able to construct an argument and engage in debate where one gets to see another point of view (or perhaps represent views one doesn't hold) would surely be an improvement of the retreat to 'safe spaces' we now have? You can't counter an alternative viewpoint by hiding from it. You need to engage and debate.

Dear all,

here I am sharing a couple of links (since the internet is overflowing of links and OER - open educational resources on the topic) and also some scientific papers on the topic of school mediation:

https://www.mediate.com/youth/

http://www.schooltools.info/conflict-resolution-resources/

http://tandis.odihr.pl/documents/hre-compendium/en/CD%20SEC%202%20ENV/School%20mediation%20Moldova/School%20Mediation%20Guide%20Excerpts%20Moldova%20ENG.pdf

Article Peer Mediation Training and Program Implementation in Elemen...

Article Peer mediation in the UK: a guide for schools

https://umaine.edu/peace/wp-content/uploads/sites/173/2016/03/PEER_MEDIATION_FINAL_11.pdf

and here some books on amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Peer-Mediation-Conflict-Resolution-Schools/dp/0878223673

That is all for tonight...

Best,

Carsten

Dear Martin,

I see what your point is. However this is a rather high profile approach which requires that all students/pupils understand the power of speech, the importance of rules and the power of law.

This may be useful in a University environment but we are talking about schooling in general (as I understand it).

And yes, debating clubs at british universities or moot courts are very helpful.

But here we have to plant a seed which makes speech and understanding different views possible as an alternative to power of muscles and harassment and the rule of fear and anger (since you are a police officer I think you understand what I mean); so let us as: would this idea also work in the Bronkx?!

Or in the outskirts of Glasgow???

Best,

Carsten

PS: If in doubt ask DI Rebus...

Dear all,

here I am sketching a possible approach for introducing conflict resolution techniques at schools:

1. Train the teachers and trainers

2. Training for pupils in

a. communication

b. non-violent communication

c. negotiation

d. mediation

3. In case not all pupils can be trained pick "lighthouse" pupils per class or year which can be trained and help in conflicts in their environments. (all conflicts must be helped and chaperoned by help of teachers or even external mediators, depending on the severity of the conflict...

4. The introduction of school mediation must be evaluated and monitored continiusly...

Best, Carsten

Many conflicts originate in bad communication.

Therefore it is of high importance to teach and learn communication.

Very useful is the approach of non-violent communication as of M. Rosenberg which postulates that wolfes and giraffes can communicate...

Here I am sharing some links on the topic:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonviolent_Communication

https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com

https://www.cnvc.org

https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Marshall-Rosenberg/dp/1892005034

https://de.slideshare.net/Sternaugen/fom-mediation-und-kommunikation-weerth-kommrosenberggfkexkurs

https://de.slideshare.net/Sternaugen/fom-mediation-and-conflict

https://de.slideshare.net/Sternaugen/fom-mediation-communication-communication-in-the-business-landscape-about-the-importance-of-a-survival-strategy-46094660

https://de.slideshare.net/Sternaugen/fom-mediation-communication

The internet is full of Open Educational Resources (OER) and links...

Best wishes,

Carsten

dear @ Carsten Weerth, thank u for sharing great solutions best

I think that would be a good idea. Early on, some children learn that the solution to very problem is to fight, sometimes physically. If they are taught a way to settle their differences by talking and using peaceful means those would be good skills they would acquire and could use in whichever career field they choose. There is a saying, "If the only tool you have in your tool box is a hammer then every problem that comes your way starts looking like a nail." It is better to have a repertoire of skills in your tool kit.

It can be made as a mandatory course and given Humanities credit in schools.

dear Srini Vasan, wonder ful reply! thank u

Create "team work" activities where students study situations having several solutions : 1. individual views are proposed. 2. 2. Students discuss them and 3. decide together which one is selected.

I agree with that. Conflicts (although having many negatives) lead to movement and development if it is based on principles and values, not on a personal basis, the moving society is the one that includes at least two different categories, each category advocating different types of principles and values than the other, which eliminates the tradition and moves the community forward.

dear@ Zin Eddine Dadach, , Isam Issa Omran

thank u for great comments