RESOLVING and TRANSFORMING

CONFLICTS

PEACE THEME 6:

CONFLICT It is a natural part of life.

It is from the Latin word conflictus which means striking together with force. It occurs when one’s action or beliefs are unacceptable to and resisted by the other (Forsyth,1990).

WHY DO CONFLICTS ARISE?

Territorial Disputes Ethnic and Religious

Animosities Ideological and Power

Struggles Social Injustice Search for Statehood Trade and Market Competitions Contest over Economic

Resources among others.

DEALING with ANGER in a CONFLICTS SITUATION

ANGER is one of the more commonly experienced emotions when parties are in conflict.

Recognize that you are angryDistance yourself from the situationRelease anger physically in indirect formsUse relaxation techniques Calm your mindApply therapeutic techniquesTurn to spiritual supportUse social supportRedirect energyCry it out

WAYS TO CHANGE THE FORM OF ANGER

How do we directly express our anger?

Describe the behavior that angers you.

Describe how you feel about the behavior.

Describe the reason for your feeling.

HOW DO WE DEAL WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S ANGER?

Allow expression. Listen. Do not counter attack. Stand in the shoe of the other. Help him/her to calm down. Paraphrase/Clarify. Explain your situation. Look into options together. If you can’t deal with other

person’s wrath, ask for help.

Main Options in Dealing with Conflicts

Avoidance or withdrawal Aggression Accommodation Compromise Collaboration

Steps in the Collaborative Problem Solving Approach

Story Telling Focusing Thinking up Concurring

Speak in a gentle, non-threatening manner.Think carefully of what you are going to say.Use the I-message.Admit your own responsibility to the conflict.Avoid using hazy statements and global

words such as always and never.Be willing to tell the other person his/her

positive attributes.Show positive regard and respect.Be tough on the problem, not on the person.Don’t take anything personallyBe solution oriented.

Tips to a Good Dialogue:

Listening Tips: Actively listen. Listen with empathy. Accept criticism of your ideas or behavior.

Paraphrase what you heard and clarify when needed.

Impartial to establish trust among parties in conflict.

Nonjudgmental and understanding.Know how to reframe situations and

broaden perspective.Show regard and concern for parties

in conflict.Anticipate a positive outcome and

influence adversaries.

Meditation

Characteristics of Mediators:

PEACABLE CLASSROOM

characterized by affirmation, cooperation, communication,

appreciation for diversity, appropriate expression of feelings and peaceful conflict resolution.

(William Kreidler)

Ways to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance in classrooms:

Declare your classroom a zone of peace and establish rules to achieve it.

As the teacher, let this peace begin with you. Affirm your student. Express feelings appropriately and encourage

students to do so. Encourage respect for and acceptance of

differences. Employ more cooperative than competitive

activities. Teach students how to resolve conflicts

peacefully and constructively. Practice students’ skills of communication.

SOCIAL DIMENSION OF EDUCATION

FAJARDO, LERANIE PANTUA

Prepared by:

Peace Theme 6: RESOLVING and

TRANSFORMING CONFLICTS