Course at the Comenius Realschule: solve conflicts efficiently!

Course at the Comenius Realschule: solve conflicts efficiently!

Wertheim, Deutschland - The Comenius Realschule in Wertheim has been relating to a proven concept for conflict resolution for almost 25 years: mediators that support students of the lower grades to clarify conflicts. Last week there was a solemn introduction of new eighth graders who work as a mediator after a two -day training. The supervising teacher Anne Lutz and the school social worker Simone Müller accompanied the event and were visibly proud of the new arbitrators. After the successful training, the predecessors from the 9th grade were adopted with a lot of praise and thanks.

Anne Lutz emphasized the need for such programs. In a world full of misunderstandings and friction, mediators are more important. 24 years ago, this project was launched as part of the “conflict culture” violence concept. The training of the mediators includes communication models such as active listening and role -playing games - skills that are extremely valuable in everyday life.

The new mediators are made up of the following students:

• 8a: Elmira Grots, Amy Zilla, Ersel Coban, Brajan Caputa
• 8c: Göksel Coban
• 8S: Sophia Bund, Amelie Roth, Lea Brigandt, Nele Rücker, Davina Blum
• 8m: Indira Friedrich, Marina Seyfert
• 8f: Cem Kilic

The value of mediation

What exactly is mediation? Mediation is a procedure in which a neutral mediator helps the parties to the conflict to solve their conflicts themselves. This is done by supporting those affected to clarify and express their feelings and interests. The goal is to find a solution in which nobody loses. This method promotes the mindful dialogue and helps the students to deal with conflicts constructively. In particular, the combination of "Ich messages" to promote social perception has proven itself, as is clear on the educational server BildungsServer .

The broad field of application of school mediation is shown by the fact that it is established not only in Wertheim, but also worldwide in schools. The pedagogical benefits are undisputed: peer mediation promotes a positive school climate and reduces the willingness of authoritarian measures. It is essential that teachers, parents and the school administration actively support the projects, as it is on [Schulische- Gewaltpravervention.org] (http://schulische-chwaltpravervarten.org/index.php/handbuecher-chwaltpraerventen/sekundarstufe/lernfelder-und-leitzeitzeiten/konstructive conflicting/367-konfliktung-in-der-schule) is described.

rules for dealing with conflicts

In the school context, establishing binding rules for dealing with conflicts is essential. This includes class councils and regular conflicting hours. Such programs help to build a solid conflict management system. Peer mediation is often carried out by older students who help the younger ones clarify their conflicts. A special mediation room, often used during the breaks, offers the necessary retreat to be able to have conversations in peace.

This type of conflict management has found its way into many schools in Germany. Nevertheless, there are challenges such as the sometimes lack of respect for the students towards the arbitrators or a low acceptance of the offer. It is important that mediation and school sanction measures exist side by side as equivalent instruments in order to promote harmonious coexistence in everyday school life.

The Comenius Realschule in Wertheim with its dispute settlement program remains a pioneer in violence prevention and shows that preventive measures are more than just lip service. They contribute to improving the learning climate and solving conflicts in good time before escalating.