A typical way of responding to conflict is to regard it as abnormal, a deviation from a peaceful norm. But we actually know that people have always been in conflict. If anything, conflict is the norm and peace is the exception. The reason for this is that in every group, society and country there are often sharply divergent interests.
When we accept that conflict is an unavoidable part of who we are, as individuals and as part of a group, we can move from wringing our hands about how terrible things are to discussing how best to manage the conflict. Once we align our approach to managing conflict to the reality that conflict is an inevitable part of living, we can plan for conflict, build our conflict management skills and intervene in an effective way.
In schools, conflict can occur between teachers, principals, non-teaching staff, parents, students. Conflict is not necessarily bad – it is how we deal with the conflict that will determine whether it is constructive or destructive. We must, therefore, acquire the skills to manage conflict. If the parties involved in a conflict do not have the skills to manage the conflict, disputes can develop … and then other skills or interventions will be necessary to resolve the disputes.
How can Managing Conflict in Education assist with managing conflict and resolving disputes in schools?
Managing Conflict in Education provides:
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For a practical guide to managing conflict in schools, please click on Publications.