Conflict management - Repairing relations and benefiting from difference

Topic(s) addressed

This project centred on the development of a social constructionist approach to conflict management. This meant teaching stakeholders the value of listening and appreciating the other side’s views. It also focused on dissolving conflict and repairing relationships through dialogue.

Target group(s)

The three target groups for this project were educators, parents, and students.

Methodologies

The project provided opportunities to practise advanced listening, to get in touch with the dream hidden behind the frustration; and to “walk the shoes of the other", to see issues from different perspectives. 

This project also provided a space to explore the patterns of the conflict as well as its exceptions, and to practise different dialogue techniques that create alternative ways of dealing with the differences.

Innovation environment

Experience shows that conflict issues are a common area with which stakeholders must manage to deal in the running of any in educational institution. Dealing with members of staff, students and parents who may show resistance to the school's regulations and policies are but a few examples of what has to be tackled on a daily basis.

Teachers’ role

Previously, Hamrun Secondary School, was perceived in a negative manner where many students had behavioural issues. By adopting and instilling a positive school climate to boost the overall school ethos, positive attitudes and relationships amongst students, members of staff and parents were gradually brought about. 

Impact and output

In a school setting, conflicts may arise between stakeholders, mainly staff members, students and parents. One of the reasons for this is that individuals all bring different values and experiences with them when they join the school community. For this reason, by practising and getting feedback, and being coached on ones performance during the course, participants we were able to engage more effectiviely with the people around them.

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