The win-win approach to solving conflicts, which has become popular in the business world, should be a natural for the school environment. Win-win thinking can foster a cooperative school climate by meeting educators' and students' needs for dignity, belonging, and respect. Yet win-win thinking faces a number of obstacles in schools, writes…

This essay presents the theoretical framework and main results of a research on intercultural mediation which has been performed in eight multicultural classrooms of Italian secondary schools. Intercultural mediation is conceived as a form of dialogic communication which should empower empathic and equal relationships between the participants by…

In this paper, the author seeks to initiate a conversation about the discomfort that can emerge and the violence that might possibly take place in the "critical", dialogic, and justice-oriented Foundations of Education classroom between students and instructors when all are invited to negotiate "the necessary conditions" for learning. Believing…

This essay begins with the question, "What can educators do to minimize the risks inherent to interracial dialogue?" Though no such meaningful conversation ever will be without risk, this article offers two specific strategies that have helped foster open classroom climates: adding without contradiction and granting freedom for conclusions. Both…

In this article, the author responds to a teacher's request for advice on how to handle students who are loud and aggressive in the classroom. The author provides some suggestions on how to establish a smooth-running classroom. She firmly believes in creating well-thought out policies and procedures and politely, but firmly, insisting that…

Some people view bullying as a normal aspect of childhood; teachers who prevent bullying know that this is not true. Bullying is a deliberate act that hurts young victims, both emotionally and physically. Aside from the victims, bullying affects people around them by distracting, intimidating, and upsetting them. Basically, bullying in the…

In classrooms for young children, educators can strive to create a climate in which every child can question and learn, a place where everyone's story--their background and experiences--is respected. This article presents a rationale and a framework for teaching children about social justice. While the social justice learning activities in this…

Advocates not the total resolution of conflicts staged in the classroom setting but the resolution of interpersonal issues between student as the subordinates and professors as the superiors to create positive regard for superiors and subordinates along with reciprocal learning among students and professors. Suggests enacting a "theatrical"…

Discusses the dynamics of the language lesson. It is argued that the lesson represents at least four types of events: a curricular event, an implementation of a method, a social event, and an arena of human interaction. (3 references) (GLR)

This paper presents the view that prevailing resentment against new immigrants and other ethnic minorities has clarified for many educators the need for teaching all students skills to resolve conflicts and reduce violence in schools. The paper advocates that peace education be integrated with multicultural education as a way for students to learn…

Noting Montessori's belief that establishing peace is the work of education, describes facets of the Montessori classroom community, including safety, inclusiveness, work plans, class meetings, community service projects, realism, classroom economy, contemplation, peaceful resolution of conflict, group problem solving, mediation, the spirit and…

Describes a comprehensive model of classroom character education in the following components: the teacher as caregiver, model, and mentor; the caring classroom environment; moral discipline; the democratic classroom environment; values instruction through the curriculum; cooperative learning; the conscience of the craft; ethical reflection; and…

Uses the case of a boy named Franklin, making the transition between free play and a group activity, to illustrate conflict between teachers' respect for individual play and scheduled group activities. Discusses various issues, including differing perceptions of time, closure, and independence; using learning-environment organization for…

Describes a study which examined value orientations among Puerto Rican and Anglo junior high school students. Based on the differences shown by the two groups in their relationship to authority and their environment, proposes a framework for developing instructional and curricular models to reduce culture conflict in American schools. (Author/GC)

Examines four dimensions of peacemaking that teachers at all grade levels can practice with students in the classroom and encourage parents to support at home. Focuses on the importance of an affirming climate, modeling and promoting cooperation, teaching conflict resolution skills, and family/class meetings. (DMM)