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Peer Mediation

Imagine that a student in your school is spreading a rumor. He says that you cheated on a math test. You know that this rumor is not true. What can you do about it? In some schools, you can use a peer mediation program.

A peer is someone who is in your age group or grade. For example, sixth graders are the peers of sixth graders. Mediation is a way to solve a problem. The people involved talk about the problem; then they create a solution together. The solution works better when the people decide it together.

The mediator is trained to help others solve problems. Instead of telling people what to do, the mediator asks questions. The questions help students to think of solutions. The mediator has to be patient and a good listener. The mediator does not solve the students' problems for them. He or she helps them to create their own solutions.

Many schools use peer mediation to help resolve problems. Students who use mediation also learn important skills. Peer mediation teaches students peaceful ways to handle problems. It shows people how to talk about conflict instead of acting on it.

How does peer mediation work? It involves many steps. Each step is important for the process to work. The process might be a little different from one school to another. But most schools all use the same basic steps.

Step 1: Organize a meeting
The mediator and the students meet to talk. They might meet in a classroom after school. They could meet during recess. Sometimes a meeting is held in a hallway or the cafeteria. Students need a quiet place so that they can focus on solving the problem.

The mediator explains that he or she will be neutral during the meeting. Neutral means not "taking sides." The mediator can't be involved in the problem. He or she should also not be a close friend of any of the students. This would make it too hard to be neutral. Schools usually have many mediators to work with students.

The students must follow certain rules. They must tell the truth and be polite. They must listen to one another and not interrupt when someone is speaking. They must also do their best to find a solution.

Step 2: Gather information
The mediator asks each student to tell his or her side of the story. The students take turns telling what happened. They also talk about how they feel. While one student is talking, everyone else has to remain silent. The students talk directly to one another. The mediator asks questions to be sure the students understand all sides of the story.

The mediator also must understand all sides of the problem. He or she may ask further questions. If the mediator does not understand some part of the story, he or she might say, "If I understand you correctly?" The mediator could also say, "Could you explain this part of the issue?"

Students can also ask questions. This helps each person understand why the problem happened. It also helps the students feel as if their needs are met.

Step 3: Focus on common interests
Many times, the students can agree on some things. For example, they may agree the problem is affecting their grades. They might even agree on what happened. These agreements are important in reaching a solution. It helps the students understand one another.

Step 4: Create options and choose a solution
Next the students try to come up with solutions for their problems. The mediator may ask, "How can we solve this problem?" The group might use an activity called brainstorming, which means making a list of different ideas or solutions.

The students then look at each idea, one by one. Some ideas may be used; some may not. Students are not forced to use a solution if it doesn't work for them. The mediator can help them find solutions that they can agree on.

Step 5: Write an agreement
Once the students agree on a solution, it is written down. The details of the agreement must be clear. Each student must know what his or her roles are. They must understand what will happen if they don't follow the agreement.

The students sign the agreement and shake hands. The mediator will check with the students in the future. This is to make sure the mediation worked. Sometimes the solution does not work. The students can go back to mediation to work on the problem again.

There are some times when peer mediation is not used. If a student is violent, adults should handle the situation. Peer mediation is not used for problems with the law. It is also not used between students and adults.

Peer mediation can cause problems if it is not done correctly. Mediators must have enough training. They need to know what kinds of questions to ask. They should also know when to ask for help from an adult. In addition, it is best if the mediator doesn't know the students well.

Many schools have used peer mediation to help students solve problems. It has helped create safer schools. When students feel safer, they learn more and get better grades. They stay out of trouble and learn to work with others. Teachers can focus on their work instead of discipline.

Peer mediators learn skills that can help them outside of school. Trained mediators have skills to solve problems. They have confidence and self-control. They are excellent listeners. These skills can be used in many situations throughout life.

Students who used mediation learn to talk through problems. They see how to speak up for themselves and look for solutions. They know how to listen to others. They see that there are other ways to act instead of arguing or fighting.

Mediation helps outside of school, as well. A company can mediate when a customer has problems with its business. Courts can send people to mediation. This is a good way to avoid lawsuits. It also works well for nonviolent crimes. Sometimes people who commit crimes can make up for their mistakes and avoid going to jail.

As you can see, mediation is a useful skill to learn. It can help fix problems at school. It can also help in many other situations. If you're good at it, it could even become a career!




1.

FACT AND OPINION

Is this statement a fact or an opinion? Explain your answer.



2.

CLARIFY

What does the mediator do and not do?



3.

FACT AND OPINION

Is this a fact or an opinion? Explain your answer.



4.

VISUALIZE

What do you think the mediation place might look like?



5.

INFER

Why should the mediator be neutral?



6.

PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

What problems might come from not following the rules?



7.

INFER

Why should the students remain silent when someone is talking?



8.

CLARIFY

What does it mean to focus on "common interests"?



9.

INFER

Why would it help to list ideas?



10.

CONNECT

What skills or traits do you have that would make you a good peer mediator?

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