A central mission of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is the promotion of international conflict resolution education by assisting and supporting colleges and universities in their efforts at developing and offering programs, courses, and activities that focus on international peace, conflict, and security. Over the years, a number of…

Techniques of conflict resolution are discussed as a means of effecting constructive change. The Collegial, Zero-Sum, and Strategic Negotiation models of conflict are outlined, a sequence of necessary resolution steps is presented, and an approach for arbitrating third-party disputes is proposed. (MSE)

A discussion of conflict in academic departments describes current philosophies in conflict resolution, including a principled approach emphasizing positive benefits. Structures within organizations that inherently create conflict are identified, and various strategies for dealing with conflict are outlined based on one theory of response modes.…

The merger of the University of Detroit and Mercy College (Michigan) is chronicled from early conversations through preparation and decision making. Salient issues that had to be addressed, especially persistent conflicts, and lessons learned from the experience are noted. (MSE)

Newly employed superintendents should get clear signals from the school board and make changes cautiously. If drastic measures are required, the superintendents should recognize staff concerns, get their backing, and involve them. A simple ceremony acknowledging the change in leadership can help people adjust to change. (MLF)

Daily misunderstandings between adults and children can create a host of stressful problems, from annoyance to abuse and violence. This book offers specific, concrete ways to communicate and problem solve effectively with kids. The book stresses two-way communication, helping children come to know their own thoughts and feelings so that they can…

Several currently functioning techniques are noted for improving school climate and reducing the atmosphere of stress and conflict which leads to violence. Ideas include celebrating learning, providing "cool down" rooms or sustained silent reading periods to relieve tension during the school day, and implementing conflict resolution curriculum.…

Notes innovation and creativity as an alternative to violent response to anger or frustration. Discusses prerequisites for success of social problem approach to conflict resolution and presents six specific steps to this approach and its benefits for both teacher and children. (HTH)

School business officials will need to lead the way for many of the changes that will take place in the nation's schools. Outlines some strategies to help defuse the tension and defensiveness and clear the way for meaningful change. (MLF)

While conflict is a normal part of family life, there are ways to head off fights before they begin or peaceably resolve those conflicts parents cannot stop. This videotape-based parent workshop program builds from realistic scenarios of parent/child and sibling conflicts to present parents with the tools they need to help change the household…

Noting that elementary school students can learn to resolve basic everyday conflicts without resorting to verbal or physical aggression, this empathy-based program provides a foundation for resolving problems without the intervention of mediators or adults and for providing written documentation of the solution for parents, administrators, and…

Techniques that reduce donors' resistance to college fund-raising requests, either direct mail or telephone solicitations, are offered. These include: respecting the prospects' concerns about privacy; offering nonintrusive giving options; honesty and clarity of communication; reinforcing donor sense of control; connecting with prospects'…

Handling intergroup bias issues in the college classroom may stimulate teacher anxiety but also may provide opportunities for self-understanding. Common anxieties concern confronting one's own cultural identity/attitudes, responding to biased comments, doubts about one's own competence, need for learner approval, and handling intense emotions.…

This training guide and reference manual helps educational leaders learn to be facilitators in the program called "Improving the Human Environment of Schools" (IHES), a participative problem-solving method designed to improve a school's "quality of life." An introductory chapter reviews the history of IHES and outlines IHES…

With state budgets in trouble across the United States, many school districts have already been hit with midyear cuts. Morale is the first and biggest issue administrators and school boards have to tackle. Successful leaders must be able to forecast what lies ahead and plan for the future. Good communication with staff and the public is crucial to…