How to Teach Students to Settle Their Own Disputes

It is no secret that there is a rise in student disputes for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is as simple as
shouting unkind words to each other or as severe as breaking into a physical fight. Teachers are often
faced with students who do not gel, students who are tough, and students who do not regard school
entirely as the learning institution it was intended to be. When you place a classroom of kids together in
one space, there are going to be conflicts. Learn some effects ways on how to teach students to settle their
own disputes for a lesson in getting along with others.
Peer Mediation
When a problem arises in the classroom between two students, teachers may opt to have those students
leave the classroom and go to the principal's office. While in some cases this is the only option available,
due to the dispute becoming violent, you might consider letting the students work out their problem with a
peer mediation session. Peer mediation is where the two fighting students sit with another student to get a
third person's view of the problem. It is a structured setting that provides students the chance to resolve
their differences with an objective student's point of view. Peer mediation helps students resolve their
differences without aggression, which could lead to violence.
The "Walk Away" Method
Teaching your students to walk away when a dispute is heated is very important. Teach them that there is
no need to get into a disagreement that escalates to violence. Let your students know that walking away
from a potentially dangerous situation does not mean they are a chicken. It means that they are aware of
danger, and it is a smart decision on your part to avoid the dispute.
Keep Your Students Informed
Make sure that your students understand the consequences of fighting in school or even causing
commotion in school. Sometimes students will think twice about getting into an argument, if they know
there are serious repercussions to it. They may feel it is not worth their time or effort to even start an
argument in the first place. Be sure to place classroom rules in a place where everyone can see them
clearly, and talk about the rules at the beginning of a new school year.
Teacher Mediation
Let your students know that you are always available to be the mediator in a dispute. It is their decision to
come to you for advice, but you are available. Also let your students know that you need to be aware of
any potentially dangerous situations that students may place themselves in, such as planning a fight after
school, etc. This is important.
Teach the Importance of Taking Turns
If a dispute between students arises because they are having trouble sharing something, point out the
benefits of sharing. For instance, it may be time for recess and two kids want to play with a ball. Point out
that instead of playing with the ball by yourself, why not share the ball and play catch? Give children
examples and scenarios of how sharing can be good for two people, so that the next time this type of
dispute arises, your students will know how to handle it.
Character Exercises
Building character exercises into your curriculum is a good way to teach kids about how to resolve
conflicts. Teaching them how to respect others, being honest with others, and how to be compassionate
towards others may stick with them in times of dispute. Arming your students with information, such as
character training, gives them a chance to practice what they have learned, if they find themselves in a
dispute.