What is Conflict Resolution?

Conflict resolution programs like Working Together to Resolve Conflict typically include a curriculum designed to provide basic knowledge to students about individual differences, changing win-lose situations to win-win solutions, and using negotiation to effectively resolve conflicts. A conflict resolution curriculum can focus on social skills such as empathy training, effective communication, and stress and anger management; attitudes about conflict; bias awareness; and/or negotiation and large group problem solving. Teachers or other school professionals help students learn a process for handling interpersonal conflict by focusing on skill development within a general conceptual framework rather than on how to solve an immediate, specific problem. Typically students view conflict situations as occasions in which there are winners and losers. In contrast, introducing them to scenarios where all parties can win offers a framework within which to view conflict as a learning opportunity to solve mutual problems and strengthen social relations. Thus, conflict resolution curricula can introduce students to the productive aspects of conflict instead of attempting only to eliminate or prevent it. They may be especially effective when teachers use cooperative learning strategies to foster integrative, rather than competitive, approaches to learning.

Conflict resolution programs should be student- rather than adult-centered. Adults are not always available to help students negotiate solutions to their day-to-day conflicts. Programs that depend solely on adult decision-making fail to teach students appropriate resolution skills to use in the absence of adult supervision. Through a variety of learning experiences, such as discussion, role plays, and simulations, and a focus on student empowerment, conflict resolution curricula can (a) facilitate the understanding of conflict and its determinants, (b) teach students effective communication, problem-solving skills, and the steps of negotiation, and (c) provide a foundation for peace and nonviolent education.