Conflict Management

The term conflict management is often used synonymously with conflict resolution. A conflict management program can be defined as a program with educational components that is implemented in a school system to decrease the number of conflicts and antisocial behaviors that surface within that school system. Such programs began [Page 213]in the 1960s when community mediation groups and peace advocates introduced alternative dispute management skills into the legal system. Conflict management programs have expanded during the past 2 decades in an effort to counter the increase in violent acts and shootings in the schools.

Although the number of conflict management type programs in U.S. schools is unknown, it has been estimated that at least one tenth of all public schools have some type of conflict management education curriculum. A review of the literature regarding the effectiveness of conflict management programs suggests that while many educators promote them within their schools, more empirical evidence is needed to support such programs. Narrative reviews of conflict management programs have been popular and suggest that they do decrease antisocial behaviors.

Successful conflict management programs are designed to model and teach a variety of interpersonal and communication skills in culturally meaningful ways to help students cope with everyday situations. Additionally, conflict management programs should assist students with learning positive coping strategies to employ when in conflict as well as ways to prevent conflict. Conflict management programs are utilized in schools to create safe and welcoming communities. They often include peer mediation, antibullying programs, character education, and schoolwide behavior programs. Conflict management programs are delivered through direct skills instruction, are embedded within the existing curriculum, or both.

An example of direct skills instruction is the peer mediation program. Such programs are often implemented in schools to help students learn to resolve conflicts in peaceful ways. Students may be trained as peer mediators by either their school counselors or specialized trainers in the field. The skills and practices involved in peer mediation training help students understand the conflict process and empower them to use effective communication. Peer mediation also encourages creative thinking to assist students in resolving conflicts fairly and peacefully. Peer mediation programs have been the most widely researched of conflict management programs.

Antibullying programs are another example of direct skills instruction. These programs typically include classroom lessons taught by school counselors or teachers, teacher and parent in-service trainings, and school assemblies on bullying topics. In some states, antibullying programs are now mandated by legislation.

Character education programs are yet another form of conflict management programs used in schools. Character education lesson plans are often infused into the existing curriculum. As a part of character education, educators often focus on one character word per month and integrate this word into the existing curriculum in as many ways as possible. Many prepackaged character education programs are available for teachers and school counselors. There are also various character education Web sites which offer suggestions for educators on this topic.

In addition to peer mediation, antibullying programs, and character education programs, conflicts can be decreased and managed effectively in schools if a schoolwide behavior program is executed. Such programs offer rewards for, and encourage, positive behavior. Schoolwide behavior programs vary according to level—elementary, middle, or high school. A common program at the elementary level is “Caught Being Good.”

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