Leading a Workshop on Conflict Management for Teaching Assistants

Article Abstract: The aim of this article is to share a conflict management workshop that the authors developed to train teaching assistants to proactively manage conflict, achieve productive results for conflict, and establish a climate of trust in which relationships beneficial to learning can flourish. The article begins by defining an approach to conflict management and explaining the rationale behind the workshop. A detailed plan of the workshop is then presented. Finally, results are reported of a “before the workshop” and “after the workshop” survey from two recent groups of workshop participants that shows improved perceived ability to deal effectively with conflict.

Summary of Core Skills For Conflict Work

Peaceworkers UK developed this detailed description of the Core Skills they consider essential for Conflict Work and the vocational standards associated with them.
Core Skill 1: Research Skills
Core Skill 2: Written Communication
Core Skill 3: Verbal Communication
Core Skill 4: Self-Management
Core Skill 5: Conflict Management
Core Skill 6: Observation Skills
Core Skill 7: Teamwork
Core Skill 8: Cultural Sensitivity
Core Skill 9: Gender Awareness

Lessons and activities for Florida’s fourth annual mediation celebration

41-page pdf manual which can be used “as a general guide to activities that can be easily incorporated in your classroom to make everyone aware of measures that help ensure peaceful schools … mediation skills and other methods of conflict resolution are life-long skills that help promote positive interactions among all people … the intention of this booklet is to help peak your interest and awareness in the area of mediation, and let you see how easily and subtly these concepts can be integrated into the existing curriculum.” Includes bibliography.

Conflict resolution skills ladder

1-page PDF document which outlines a progression of skills and the behaviors associated with them in conflict resolution.

Bullying and teasing of youth with disabilities: Creating positive school environments for effective

Issue brief from the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) (December 2003, V. 2, issue 3) which discusses the problem of bullying of youth with disabilities. “Although bullying and teasing are often considered a harmless activity, research shows that they may result in serious short- and long-term negative consequences. Youth with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and represent a high-risk group for becoming both potential victims and perpetrators of bullying and teasing. Addressing this issue in isolation is not the answer. Comprehensive, school-wide reform programs are a proactive strategy for meeting the needs of youth with disabilities, the student body at large, school staff, families, and community members.”

Bullying prevention

On-line learning module which teaches the user to “State definitions and types of bullying, list the short and long-term effects of bullying, describe places where bullying happens, state examples of effective and appropriate bullying interventions, describe the roles of parents, siblings and others in preventing bullying, recognize the requirements of a school bullying prevention program and locate resources for bully prevention.”

Men stopping rape exercises

Pdf article from Conflict Management in Higher Education Report, Volume 6, Number 1, (Nov 2005), which presents a “list of some of the exercises developed by the members of Men Stopping Rape in Madison, WI, for use in anti-rape workshops, I compiled this list for use in Syracuse at a Man-to-Man training program entitled ‘Practical Strategies for Ending Abuse: A Skill Training for Educators.'”

Doing anti-rape work: One man’s perspective

Pdf article from Conflict Management in Higher Education Report, Volume 6, Number 1, (Nov 2005), which discusses the author’s “anti-rape prevention work with men [which] means trying to reduce the likelihood that the men who attend a workshop will behave in ways that are assaultive.”

Nonviolent communication and ombuds work

Pdf article from Conflict Management in Higher Education Report, Volume 6, Number 1, (Nov 2005), which relates the author’s experience using a model from “Nonviolent Communication (NVC),” created by Marshall B. Rosenberg, in her work as university ombudsman at Humboldt State University.

Participation & involvement: A community college transforms its culture

Pdf article from Conflict Management in Higher Education Report, Volume 6, Number 1, (Nov 2005), which describes the key details of a two-day performance-based training program designed to teach observable skills in conflict resolution and group process to employees of Lane Community College, as well as the results and outcomes. Includes bibliography.