Peer Mediation“Students helping

students”

By: Lindsay Prodorutti

What is Peer Mediation?

Peer Mediation is a communication

process in which the individuals with a

problem work together, assisted by a neutral third party, to solve the problem.

History of Peer Mediation Peer mediation programs started in the 1980’s

Known as “Conflict Managers”

Introduced by the San Francisco Community Board of Policy and Training

Peer Mediation: Vocabulary

Mediate: To intervene between two or more disputing parties in order to bring about an agreement

Disputant: One engaged in an argument or conflict

Ground Rule: One of the several basic rules for conducting peer mediation, spelled out to the disputants at the beginning of the session.

Peer Mediation

Mediation Process: Six Step Model

Step #1: Agree to mediation (Request Form)

Make introductions

State ground rules

Step #2: Gather information

Ask each person to explain what happened

Ask each person whether he or she wants to add anything

Mediation Process: Six Step Model

Step #3: Focus on common interests

Determine and summarize shared interests

Step #4: Create options

Brainstorm solutions and ask disputants what can be done to resolve the problem

Peer Mediation

Mediation Process: Six Step Model

Step #5: Evaluate the options

Ask each person what could be done to resolve the problem

Step #6: Create an agreement

Write up an agreement and have disputants sign it

Shake hands

Peer Mediation

Example of Peer Mediation Process:

While watching the video:

• High school setting

• Watch how Sarah explains the student mediation process at her school

• Peer Mediation Agreement Form: Documentation File

Peer Mediation: A Process of Respect

Four Basic Principles:

1. Neutrality

2. Self-determination

3. Confidentiality

4. Voluntary Consent

Peer Mediation

Peer Mediation Program

Most widely used conflict resolution program in schools

Conflict Resolution Tool

Instead of disciplinary actions:Suspension & Detention

Time-consuming role

“Our school is a place where we can talk about our differences. We don’t

have to fight to get justice.”

Peer Mediation attacks the problem not the person.

Who are the mediators?

• Students (Sarah-Video)

• 2-4 day training

• Students can begin working with a peer mediation program as early as the 3rd grade

• Develop skills:

• Listening to both sides

• Gaining trust

• Identifying positions, issues, and interests

• Building communication between parties

• Dealing with emotions

• Problem solving skills

• Using settlement techniques

Sample Peer Mediation Program Budget

School A: Under $5,000

• Program team training (7 people @ $400)

• Coordinator (faculty extracurricular pay)

• Student training

• Materials (30 student manuals)

• Certificates

• Operating expenses

• Promotional materials

• Forms and printing for ongoing training

Total= $4,960

Sample Peer Mediation Program Budget

School B: Over $40,000

• Program team training (7 people @ $400)

• Full-time coordinator salary

• Student training

• Trainer consultation fee

• Materials (30 student manuals)

• Certificates

• Operating expenses

• Promotional materials

• Forms and printing for ongoing training

Total= $46,460

Hatboro-Horsham High School SAP

Student Assistance Program

Mission Statement:

Students can confront, conquer or at least manage their problems with encouragement and support from:

•HH SAP team•Faculty at HHHS•Mentor students & other HH students in groups

“We don't always create the conflicts that enter our lives, but we can always choose our

response to those conflicts”

Hatboro-Horsham High School SAP

Student Assistance Program

Groups are based on the needs and desires of our students: 

•Self-Esteem                          •Anger Management•Men’s Group                       •Women’s Issues•Open Support                     • Family Issues•Grief and Loss                   •Decision Making• Drug & Alcohol•Diversity• New Students Group•Children from Divorced Families•Freshmen-Senior Mentor Group

Classroom Implementation

Mrs. Sanford’s 4th Grade Class Webpage:

“I decided to introduce peer mediation in my classroom even though our school is not currently using this disciplinary method. I feel that it will help to create a trusting and respectful community. It is my hope that discipline problems will be minimal so that we can spend our time working and solving problems that are curriculum based.”

Webpage provides:

• Scenarios

• Videos

• Forms

• Training

Peer Mediation Results

•Peer mediation programs are very successful when students are trained effectively--

58%-93%  of the time success was achieved.

Success is measured if agreement was reached and maintained

•A 36% reduction of school wide general disruptive behavior, this includes fighting, verbal abuse, and arguments

•Two studies have shown that peer mediation has reduced 75% of the occurrences of suspensions

What kinds of disputes can be mediated?

Misunderstandings between students

Teasing or name-calling

Relationship arguments

Accusations of theft or destruction of property

Rumors and/or fights between groups

Group Activity

Jocks, Nerds, Bullies, Popular Crowd, Teacher’s Pet

Lauren: Ever since you wouldn’t let your friend Melissa copy the answers to your math test, Melissa has been writing threatening e-mails to you and spreading rumors about you to your friends. It’s been two weeks and you’re tired of putting up with it. You start spreading rumors about her and pranking her cell phone. The next day, Melissa is waiting for you after school, ready to fight.

Question:Instead of retaliating, what do you think Lauren should have done to resolve the problem?

Peer Mediation:As a group discuss the Advantages/Disadvantages of Peer Mediation.

Have you ever witnessed/experienced Peer Mediation during grade school?

Scenario

Peer MediationAdvantages:

Resolves student conflicts

Teaches students essential life skills

Motivates students to resolve their conflicts collaboratively

Increases self-esteem

Improves school climate

Meets needs of both students and educators

Disadvantages:

Privacy

Student cooperation

Students are embarrassed

Process of training peer mediators

References

Schrumpf, F. (1997). Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Schools. Illinois: Research Press.

Bodine,R. J. & Crawford, D. K. (1998). The handbook of conflict resolution education: A guide to building quality programs in schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Johnson, D.W.,& Johnson,R. T. (1996). Conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in elementary and secondary schools: A review of the research. Review of

Educational Research.

Peer Mediation. Study Guides and Strategies. Retrieved November 22, 2011, from

http://www.studygs.net/peermed.htm.