Many schools have problem-solving teams that support teachers by helping identify and resolve students' academic and social problems. Although research is limited, it has been found that teams sometimes fail to implement problem-solving processes with fidelity, which may hinder the resolution of problems. We developed the Team-Initiated Problem…

It is the responsibility of teachers to imbue in their students the idea that settlements to today's problems are not necessarily just or permanent. In a democratic society, all segments of the populace have the right to be considered. (CK)

Since conflict may concern goals, roles, or individuals, it is endemic to the decision making process and is particularly evident at the stage of formulating and weighing alternatives. The entire social system of the school may be drawn into or affected by the conflict. If these patterns are free to run their course, the school could quickly enter…

Notes that people all over the world who are sufficiently motivated by what they think is an injustice go to great lengths to find a way to right a wrong. Whether the forums they seek out are judicial or extra-judicial varies among societies and is directly related to what forums are available and how they operate. (Author/AM)

This paper addresses the future role of the Ford Foundation in helping to improve society's capacity to resolve conflicts. Part I discusses the problem. In recent years America has had many sorts of conflicts and disputes. Examples are racial equality, energy allocation, environmental protection, consumer rights, and equal educational opportunity.…

Conflict is a basic social process; there is no conceivable way of removing all conflict from an organization. Interpersonal conflict, often created by interdependency of people and tasks within an organization, lowers staff morale and employee productivity and drives people away. Difficult employees who foster conflicts fall into five distinct…

This paper holds that the outcomes of formal procedures between low-status groups and those in authority over them are largely symbolic or marginal in character. Language and gestures are said to define the involvement of these groups with authorities either as joint participation in policy making or as conflict. Whether a political action is…

Social science researchers and policy makers are not oriented toward supporting one another or sharing information that might be useful in solving social problems. Only recently have public funding agencies supported social science communication research; previously such funding came through private agencies. It seems likely that funds will…

Environ County is a simulation gaming activity designed to provide insight into regional planning. Developed as a learning experience for decision makers and public participants, the simulation emphasizes the integration of political, social, economic, and environmental issues in the resolution of five complex sociotechnical problems. The game…

The idea of a democratic society based on human rights and social justice is the social issue examined in this book which is one of a series on challenges and choices in American values. The format followed in the series includes the following for secondary students: case studies illustrating the issue by focusing on human institutions, factual…

Third-party intervention is increasingly recognized as an effective means of settling social, institutional, community, and interpersonal disputes. Traditionally, mediation efforts have been directed toward conflicts involving labor/management relations. Since the 1960s, however, mediation efforts have also been applied to situations involving…

Both student and teacher materials for a unit introducing elementary students to conflict situations and conflict resolution techniques are presented. The student materials contain pre- and posttests and 27 exercises in which students examine emotions, love and friendship, frustration, learned behavior, and basic needs, and explore different ways…

This book provides activities to introduce or reintroduce students to conflict resolution skills in a deliberate, enjoyable fashion and to elevate their awareness of each person's responsibility to create a cooperative environment wherever they may be. Interdependence is a central theme as is the awareness that dissent and conflict are natural and…

Students need opportunities for developing a strong self-image and for learning how to cope with life's problems safely and effectively. Programs should be provided that offer young people the opportunity to develop (1) a strong and secure sense of self-worth; (2) more effective communication skills; (3) the ability to cope with disappointment,…

Evaluated effects of time pressure on attributions made and solutions generated in hypothetical social problem situations by aggressive and nonaggressive boys. Found a greater level of arousal in the time pressure condition than the untimed condition across all subjects and greater numbers, more types, and more aggressive solutions. (SD)