Thirty undergraduate students discussed a moral issue with a confederate who held either the same or the opposing opinion. Subjects in the controversy condition indicated more accurate understanding of the confederate's reasoning than their counterparts; however, noncontroversy subjects erroneously believed they understood the confederate's…

A review of studies of conflict and conflict resolution training in schools finds evidence suggesting that untrained students often use strategies with destructive outcomes. After training, outcomes of conflict are more likely to be constructive and students are more able to resolve their own conflicts. (SLD)

Examined effectiveness of conflict resolution training integrated into a curriculum unit on friendship taught daily for 4 consecutive weeks to kindergartners in a midwestern suburban school. Found significant differences in trained and untrained children's knowledge and retention of the conflict resolution procedure, willingness and ability to use…

One type of conflict is controversy (disagreement), which is discussed as a teaching technique that can be used in the classroom. Five possible procedures are suggested for introducing it to students. For journal availability, see SO 504 878. (ND)

Examines the effectiveness of a conflict-resolution program in raising the academic achievement of a suburban Canadian high school English class. Argues that the conflict-resolution training raised academic performance at the same time that it taught conflict-resolution techniques. Suggests incorporating conflict-resolution training into core high…

Concern about violence in schools has resulted in numerous conflict resolution and peer mediation programs being implemented, though there is very little research examining their effectiveness. The exception is the Teaching Students to be Peacemakers program, which teaches students to be peacemakers in five steps: learning what is and what is not…

Peace education is a key for establishing a consensual peace and maintaining it over time. There are 5 essential elements in building a lasting peace through education. First, a public education system must be established that has compulsory attendance for all children and youth, integrated so students from previously conflicting groups interact…

Describes the principles, practices, and procedures of the Teaching Students To Be Peacemakers program, a comprehensive, schoolwide conflict resolution and peer mediation training initiative targeting grades 1 through 12. Findings of the program's efficacy and impact in diverse school settings are presented. (GR)

A peer mediation program in a suburban elementary school was studied to determine the types of conflicts, the strategies used in conflict resolution, and the types of resolutions at school and at home. Comparisons of 144 program students with 83 untrained students revealed significant impact of peer mediation. (SLD)

Examines the effectiveness of conflict resolution and peer mediation training among California high school students. Explains that two of four classes received five weeks of conflict resolution and peer mediation training integrated into the social studies curriculum. Found greater academic achievement, long term retention, and transfer of…

Increasing violence and threats of violence in American schools have prompted many school districts to take aggressive action in providing greater security and more positive learning environments. This book presents an alternative approach--that of training students in conflict resolution and peer mediation. The book offers specific, practical…

Students attending a Minnesota school in a middle-class neighborhood are finding that cooperation, conflict resolution, and civic values are creating a safe haven from the stresses of family and neighborhood life. Students have two innovative programs (Continuous Progress and Discovery) to choose from. Highlands Elementary nurtures its students…

Reports on a study of the effects of a peer-mediation training program among 92 elementary school students. Finds that the training program was successful in teaching negotiation and mediation procedures and skills. Reports that the training dramatically reduced the number of conflicts referred to teachers and principal. (CFR)

Research indicates that classroom controversy facilitates student problem solving, creativity, perspective taking, epistemic curiosity, conceptual conflict, and transition in stages of cognitive and moral reasoning. Thus, creating controversy is an important teaching strategy for increasing learning and intellectual development. Conditions…

This study examined the effectiveness of an urban peer mediation program. Third- and fourth-grade students were trained as conflict managers to mediate schoolmates' conflicts. They mediated 323 conflicts during the school year; most successfully. Most conflicts involved physical and verbal attacks. Mediation usually resulted in agreements to avoid…