Utilizing Conflict in Education for Positive

Outcomes

Carmen Slatton

www.umdpsych.com

Why do we need conflict resolution

In this presentation we will discuss what conflict means and how it affects us in our interactions with• Other Professionals • Students• Parents

How Conflict Affects those in Education

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As educators we are constantly engaged in

conflict whether we know it or not, it is part of the

learning process.

We must ‘Challenge

the Process’

Bob Kerrey

Conflict between the Professionals

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We are setting an example for our

students

Leaders inspire people to follow them where as

bosses demand that people follow them

A great leader will

have followers no matter

the job title

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Conflict between the teachers and students

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When a student defies authority this is a type

of conflict.

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• When dealing with difficult situations, it is important to remember when dealing with these students that we are dealing with children

We are setting an example for how adults should behave

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Research has shown that students involved in a

teacher-student conflict have lower levels of self-

esteem and higher levels of aggression later on in life.

Passive Aggressive Conflict Cycle (PASS)

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Passive Aggressive Conflict Cycle (PASS)

• Typical behavior in a class• Student says one thing then does another• Result is the teacher loses his/her cool in front of the entire class

Passive Aggressive Conflict Cycle (PASS)

• Students (at best) dislike the teacher or students (at worst) lose all respect for the teacher as an adult and regard the teacher as a irrational participant within the classroom.

Biases in the Education System

• Women make up 74% of all educators, 80% of these women are Caucasian

Biases in the Education System

There is a growing number of non-white working class and poor students in the public education system.

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Biases in the Education System

• Research has shown that the behavior of minority students is more negatively viewed by teachers than their white counterparts

Biases in the Education System

• We can offset this bias by acknowledging it and confronting it. Look at the intent behind the behavior is critical to student success.

Conflict between educators and parents and students

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• Parent teacher conflicts are very common in the school setting

• Parent teacher conflicts are inevitable, they will happen, how can you avoid them and, deal with the inevitable conflicts?

These conflicts can lead to a conflict with the student especially if this conflict is voiced (on either side).

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Involving Parents in their child’s education

increases student motivation and sets a

example of partnership between the school

and the home.

• One way to do this is to simply make the parent feel respected, one example is respecting their time.• Make conversations concise,

upbeat and respectful• Consider implementing

technology when appropriate, such as using Polling Software to schedule an IEP meeting

• Keep appointments with the parents, if you cannot give as much notice as possible

• Avoid email for difficult conversations.

Treat the parents the way you would want to be treated,

especially concerning children

• Remember that parents are attached to their child’s education emotionally

• It is the teacher’s role to be objective• Not being attached to rights,

wrongs, or labels• Always being professional

Partnerships are best for the child, try to incorporate the

parent’s in their child’s education as much as possible

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Look up your local NAEYC Affiliate to see what workshops they

offer in your area.

These workshops are great for professional development in the area of dealing with

conflict.

Model the behavior you wish to see modeled back at

you.www.signupgenius.com

Conflict can be a great place to advance from, students need you to show them how to appropriately deal with conflict to pursue higher education and become proactive thinking citizens.

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