This curriculum focuses on using creative thinking and conflict resolution skills in controversial discussions, highlighting the use of nonadversarial dialogue through the story of a fictional town caught in a controversy over whether or not to mandate school uniforms. The story that unfolds provides a case study in how to resolve public, as well…

Colleges can improve their chances of hiring an appropriate consultant by knowing what they wish to accomplish; knowing what results to expect; identifying possible consultants; choosing an individual with expertise in the primary area of concern; arranging and understanding the consultant's presentation; and remaining flexible during the…

This paper addresses the question: What is proper conduct for an internal evaluator? Selected ethical issues are examined, and strategies for responding effectively are proposed. Issues examined are: (1) pressure to downplay negative and emphasize positive findings; (2) reinforcement for nonthreatening evaluation activities; (3) greater interest…

A sequence is suggested for teachers working with parents in solving problems. Steps include: problem definition; problem analysis; generation of alternatives; establishment of criteria for selecting solutions; and evaluation and selection of solutions. (CB)

Daily misunderstandings between adults and children can create a host of stressful problems, from annoyance to abuse and violence. This book offers specific, concrete ways to communicate and problem solve effectively with kids. The book stresses two-way communication, helping children come to know their own thoughts and feelings so that they can…

This training manual presents concepts and skills that students can be taught to successfully address social, economic, and ethical issues both inside and outside of school. The manual is intended as a comprehensive guide for effective service learning and peer helper programs; the concepts and skills provided here are designed to apply human…

This book integrates the use of three tools (the Internet, the theory of multiple intelligences, and brain research) to help teachers design projects and activities that help students gain a deeper understanding of the curriculum, discussing how these educational tools work together to help teachers make better use of their classroom time as they…

Maintaining that good communication and sharp awareness of interpersonal dynamics can help facilitators of quality circles develop greater group synergy and thus more creative and productive results, this guide presents techniques and exercises for developing facilitators' interpersonal communication skills. A pretest and brief introduction are…

Intended for students from about fourth-grade through high school, the "Road Game" is about competition and cooperation, teamwork and chaos, perception and misperception, and communication and conflict resolution. All information necessary for playing the game is provided. Instructions for playing the game with a cultural bias are also included.…

Good feedback from a consultant is evidence-based insight into the good, bad, and indifferent aspects of the work being done. The college administrator needs to prepare for hearing and acting on it. Receiving feedback is difficult, but handling it well is critical to the ultimate effectiveness of change. (Author/MSE)

Learning to interact positively with personality-challenged individuals will result in a more productive work and home life. A behavioral-styles model, and the effect of conflict on the personality types in the model, are displayed in figures and text. Case studies demonstrate successful interaction strategies. (MLF)

This manual is designed to assist the school and trainers in preparing students to become peer mediators. The program seeks to find peaceful solutions to problems, and recognizes that conflict is a natural process and that students can solve their own problem and are responsible people. The format puts introductory and program startup materials…

Techniques are presented that can help teachers resolve conflicts that arise in the classroom. Strategies are outlined for working out differences among students or between the teachers and a student and for fostering cooperative attitudes among the children. (PP)

Teachers can prepare themselves for angry confrontations with parents by learning how to cope with parent anger and channeling it into positive action. A five-step process, the I.D.E.A.L. system, is outlined and recommended as an effective technique for converting angry parents into collaborators. (IAH)

Differences in men's and women's communication styles affect their interactions with each other. Organizations must be flexible enough to recognize situations in which traditional male values of competition may be most functional and those in which more collaborative, female strategies are more appropriate. Personnel training can help ensure that…