Peer Mediation Program
Overview of the Peer Mediation Process
The role of the mediator:
The mediator is an impartial person whose role is to help classmates solve a dispute by communicating with one another. Mediators guide the two disputants in a conversation designed to help them understand each other's point of view and reach an agreement that resolves the conflict.
The mediator is not a judge, counselor, or advisor...the mediator helps the disputants evaluate the situation, understand how they feel about what has occured, and focus on the future. The mediator does not take sides; he/she is a neutral party who has no investment in any particular solution to the problem. For new mediators, this is the most importand and most difficult lesson to learn.
Mediation is an orderly process that requires thought and preparation:
First, school counselors arrange for passes, set the time, prepare the room and discuss the process with both disputants. This usually happens the day of the dispute but always within 24 hours of receiving the request. Two mediators are selected by grade level and gender of the disputants.
Once the 2 disputants and 2 mediators arrive in the guidance department, the mediation process is briefly explained by one of the counselors and then the 4 parties close the door and proceed. One counselor remains available at all times during the process to assist as needed.
Next the 2 mediators introduce themselves and go through the 4 ground rules that disputants must agree to before the mediation can take place:
1.One person speaks at a time with no interrupting from the other.
2.No name calling or put downs. Attack the problem not the person.
3. Things that are said in the room must stay in the room.
4. Students must agree to TRY and solve the problem by listening to each other and telling the truth
At this point, if both disputants can calmly agree to all 4 ground rules the mediation will proceed. If there is a problem at this time, the mediation is ended and the disputants are referred to the counselor.
Once the mediation begins, the mediators invite one person to start and tell their side of the story. Both parties are given this opportunity to explain the situation completely without being interrupted. Mediators conduct the conversation so that all information is understood and then they find out how each person FEELS about what happened.
Next both disputants are asked to work together to brain storm possible solutions and explain what they need to solve the problem.
All students have been instructed in how to use an "I" message but mediators help guide each person through the I statement. (I feel____when___because___and I want_____)
If disputants are able to agree on a solution, the mediators will record a contract stating the agreement. All parties sign the contract that is presented to the counselor. Contracts are kept for the remainder of the school year.
The counselor will then remind all 4 parties that this conversation was confidential, address any questions or concerns about the mediation, and then arrange passes for students back to class. Mediations can take from 10 minutes to 30 minutes with about 15 minutes being the norm. All students are expected to return to class promptly and make up any classwork missed.
Frequently asked questions about mediation
Who gets to become a mediator?
Mediators are usually chosen in 6th grade and then work all three years of middle school as long as they have all passing grades. The selection process begins with all 6 graders listening to 3 disputes and then deciding who in the class they think would best be able to help in that situation. All students are also given an opportunity to let us know if this is a role that are interested in. ( For many people, this is the last situation they would choose to be in). Teachers are also asked to nominate students that they see as leaders and good role models. Applications are given to 12 students that have ranked the highest in all three other catagories.
How are the mediators trained?
Mrs Wright (school social worker) and the middle school counselors provide an initial half day training mid year with help from the present 8th grade mediator. Updates/refresher meetings are held throughout the year as needed.
Are mediations successful at the middle school level?
All mediations change the situation because by the end, students understand the problem more clearly. A great majority result in a resolution of the intitial problem.
What happens if the disputants don't stick to the rules?
Mediators may end a mediation at any time or ask for help from the counselor that is assisting them.
What happens if the disputants can't resolve the problem?
Students are always welcome to come back and try another mediation at a later time. They can also discuss their problem with a counselor or principals.
Do parents receive a notice that their child has been involved in a mediation?
No. Mediations occur every day at the middle school and are just a guided conversation between 2 students that both want to work out a misunderstanding. If a serious situation occurs or students are not able to resolve their conflict, a parent may be notified by one of the principals or School counselors.
The role of the mediator:
The mediator is an impartial person whose role is to help classmates solve a dispute by communicating with one another. Mediators guide the two disputants in a conversation designed to help them understand each other's point of view and reach an agreement that resolves the conflict.
The mediator is not a judge, counselor, or advisor...the mediator helps the disputants evaluate the situation, understand how they feel about what has occured, and focus on the future. The mediator does not take sides; he/she is a neutral party who has no investment in any particular solution to the problem. For new mediators, this is the most importand and most difficult lesson to learn.
Mediation is an orderly process that requires thought and preparation:
First, school counselors arrange for passes, set the time, prepare the room and discuss the process with both disputants. This usually happens the day of the dispute but always within 24 hours of receiving the request. Two mediators are selected by grade level and gender of the disputants.
Once the 2 disputants and 2 mediators arrive in the guidance department, the mediation process is briefly explained by one of the counselors and then the 4 parties close the door and proceed. One counselor remains available at all times during the process to assist as needed.
Next the 2 mediators introduce themselves and go through the 4 ground rules that disputants must agree to before the mediation can take place:
1.One person speaks at a time with no interrupting from the other.
2.No name calling or put downs. Attack the problem not the person.
3. Things that are said in the room must stay in the room.
4. Students must agree to TRY and solve the problem by listening to each other and telling the truth
At this point, if both disputants can calmly agree to all 4 ground rules the mediation will proceed. If there is a problem at this time, the mediation is ended and the disputants are referred to the counselor.
Once the mediation begins, the mediators invite one person to start and tell their side of the story. Both parties are given this opportunity to explain the situation completely without being interrupted. Mediators conduct the conversation so that all information is understood and then they find out how each person FEELS about what happened.
Next both disputants are asked to work together to brain storm possible solutions and explain what they need to solve the problem.
All students have been instructed in how to use an "I" message but mediators help guide each person through the I statement. (I feel____when___because___and I want_____)
If disputants are able to agree on a solution, the mediators will record a contract stating the agreement. All parties sign the contract that is presented to the counselor. Contracts are kept for the remainder of the school year.
The counselor will then remind all 4 parties that this conversation was confidential, address any questions or concerns about the mediation, and then arrange passes for students back to class. Mediations can take from 10 minutes to 30 minutes with about 15 minutes being the norm. All students are expected to return to class promptly and make up any classwork missed.
Frequently asked questions about mediation
Who gets to become a mediator?
Mediators are usually chosen in 6th grade and then work all three years of middle school as long as they have all passing grades. The selection process begins with all 6 graders listening to 3 disputes and then deciding who in the class they think would best be able to help in that situation. All students are also given an opportunity to let us know if this is a role that are interested in. ( For many people, this is the last situation they would choose to be in). Teachers are also asked to nominate students that they see as leaders and good role models. Applications are given to 12 students that have ranked the highest in all three other catagories.
How are the mediators trained?
Mrs Wright (school social worker) and the middle school counselors provide an initial half day training mid year with help from the present 8th grade mediator. Updates/refresher meetings are held throughout the year as needed.
Are mediations successful at the middle school level?
All mediations change the situation because by the end, students understand the problem more clearly. A great majority result in a resolution of the intitial problem.
What happens if the disputants don't stick to the rules?
Mediators may end a mediation at any time or ask for help from the counselor that is assisting them.
What happens if the disputants can't resolve the problem?
Students are always welcome to come back and try another mediation at a later time. They can also discuss their problem with a counselor or principals.
Do parents receive a notice that their child has been involved in a mediation?
No. Mediations occur every day at the middle school and are just a guided conversation between 2 students that both want to work out a misunderstanding. If a serious situation occurs or students are not able to resolve their conflict, a parent may be notified by one of the principals or School counselors.