This discussion of potential uses of mediation as a management and communication tool focuses on the library setting. The nature of conflict is considered, and the concept, basic principles, and applications of mediation as a form of conflict resolution are presented. The four steps in the mediation process are then described: (1) Introduction,…

This booklet explains some of the basic characteristics and functions of third-party consultations, a problem-solving model in which community intergroup conflicts are resolved with the assistance of a third party in a face-to-face interchange and problem-solving process. The guide, intended for use by consultants, is divided into eight sections.…

Peer relations during middle childhood and adolescence are an important part of children's social and emotional development. Children and adolescents pick up essential social and communication skills from their peers as they move into late adolescence and early adulthood. Peer conflict is not necessarily a bad thing; disagreement and conflict are…

Basic characteristics and factors in conflict and conflict management in the context of institutions of higher education are examined, particularly as they interact in the context of a higher education institution. Drawing on the literature, trends in conflict management approaches, reasons for conflict, and results of conflict are identified.…

This article presents a brief overview of the current forms of alternative dispute resolution available in educational settings, along with insight into their development and success. In this article, I assess the influence of early alternative dispute resolution procedures in terms of their relevance to the settlement of conflicts within schools…

Introductory exercises designed to increase high school students' awareness of conflict and of mediation and negotiation as conflict resolution skills are presented. When conflicts arise, students should have the skills to identify the issues and interests of the parties and to see the possibilities to be gained through collaborative…

The paper addresses practical issues involved for building principals in mediating to determine the most "free appropriate public education" for handicapped children and avoiding due process hearings. Mediation is viewed as an ongoing process, and the harmful effects of legal battles over a child's placement or evaluation are noted. The paper…

The conflict-resolution technique of interpersonal negotiation involves five steps: (1) state your positive intentions; (2) define, analyze, and discuss the problem; (3) summarize progress; (4) explore alternative solutions; and (5) set a time for follow-up. (MLF)

This resource guide describes approaches to evaluating the mediation of special education conflicts, especially the use of participant questionnaires in evaluating mediation programs. Section 1 establishes the evaluation context and lists 10 action steps in the design and implementation of an evaluation plan. Section 2 addresses issues for…

The use of mediation to resolve conflicts in educational settings is examined especially in relation to handicapped students. Four sample case studies illustrating the informal and formal use of the technique are detailed. Tables illustrate trends in due process administrative decisions in Georgia and mediator training requirements and…

Mediation programs in higher education devoted to resolution of faculty conflicts are discussed. The nature of the faculty enterprise and faculty peer conflicts is examined, and three universities' efforts to incorporate faculty-to-faculty conflict resolution systems on campus are described. The organizational culture of each institution defined…

Arbitration is an effective way to resolve disagreements between school systems and their employee unions. A practicing arbitrator offers some suggestions that encourage the best use of the arbitration process. (MLF)

Conflict is common in college student life, where economic stress, close living conditions, and exposure to new people and ideas challenge students. Four vignettes illustrate typical conflicts concerning roommate relationships, workplace relationships among students, broken intimate relationships, and sexual harassment. Resolution options and…

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…

Organized around the theme of conflict resolution, this booklet provides teachers and lawyers with classroom materials for elementary grades K-3 (Level A), intermediate grades 4-6 (Level B), middle school grades 6-8 (Level C), and high school grades 9-12 (Level D). In addition, each level contains pages for the lawyer (marked by the scales of…