第8章 Lesson 8: Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a peaceful way of trying to solve a problem. Both sides in the conflict explain what happened to cause the problem. The person who listens to both sides is called the mediator.

After both sides tell what they feel happened, they try to come up with a "resolution" that is good for both sides.

Communication in the conflict resolution process is always done in a calm manner without anger. Everyone tries to listen quietly while other people are talking.

After various suggestions are shared in how to mediate the conflict, they try to come up with the best solution. Many different kinds of disagreements can be solved in a peaceful way. Here is an example of how conflict resolution can be used in a school playground setting:

—Someone says that a student pushed him/her on the soccer field.

—The "pusher" says it was an accident.

—A mediator is called.

—The mediator talks to the two people who are upset in a quiet place.

—The mediator helps everyone calm down and tells them he/she

understands their feelings.

—Each person describes what happened.

—The mediator asks for clarification if something is not clear.

—The mediator repeats what happened to make sure he/she understands.

—The mediator asks for ideas to solve the problem.

—The two people offer ideas and solutions to the problem.

—They discuss the ideas and solutions and come to an agreement on the

solution.

—The mediator makes sure the two people follow through on the solution

whether that means shaking hands, playing nicely together, or whatever.

Conflict resolution can work in many settings and can also work with many people at once. It works very well because it encourages people to analyze what really happened, to share their feelings, and to work together peacefully in order to come up with a solution.

I. Word List

conflict: a problem or argument between two or more people

resolution: to solve a problem

follow through: to finish doing something

analyze: to look closely at something

II. Fill in the blanks—Choose the correct words from the story to complete the sentences.

1. A m _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is someone who listens to both people and helps them find a solution.

2. In conflict resolution, people talk in a c _ _ _ manner.

3. A r _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is good for both people.

4. A place where children play is called a p _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

5. Conflict resolution makes people a _ _ _ _ _ _ what really happened.

III. Answer the following questions.

1. How can conflict resolution help solve problems?

___________________________________________________________.

2. What is the job of the mediator?

___________________________________________________________.

3. Why is it important to talk in a calm manner?

___________________________________________________________.

4. What does the mediator do at the end of the conflict resolution?

___________________________________________________________.

5. Do you think conflict resolution is a good way to solve problems? Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________.

IV. Word groups—Complete the word groups with words from the story.

1. argument, fight: c _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2. find an answer, agree: s _ _ _ _

3. relaxed, peaceful: c _ _ _

4. complete, finish: f _ _ _ _ _ t _ _ _ _ _ _

5. talking, writing: c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _