Peer mediation is based on the assumption and experience that (older) students can assist (younger) students to solve their problem in a facilitated process, the mediation. 8th or 9th graders participate in a training which enables them to conduct mediation on their own. The training comprises approximately 30 hours in which the students deal with the following topics:
- Definition of conflicts, conflict escalation model, conflict behavior patterns, personal conflict style;
- The five phases of mediation, the mindset of a mediator.
The procedure is trained in intensive role plays with a subsequent evaluation, key skills e.g. active listening are practiced in different exercises.
Five phases of the mediation process 4)
- Opening statement (welcoming of parties, procedure, agreement on ground rules)
- Viewpoints and issues: How does each party view the conflict? (parties express their point of view)
- Understanding the conflict (what are the deeper issues? Feelings, needs and interests of parties, encouragement to change perspectives)
- Looking for possible solutions: Who can offer what? (Parties develop possible solutions)
- Agreement and closing (Parties agree on a solution, written or verbal contract, mediator wishes them well)
Usually, two students form a mediation team. Although a lot of adult mediators work on their own this is not advised in case of students conducting mediation.
A key point of the training will be the attitude or mind set of a mediator. In many cases adults and students tend to judge situations quickly: right or wrong, just or unjust, victim or offender. Being a mediator means to take a neutral position, not to judge and not to be one-sided. In case one of the peer mediators is a friend of a participating party another student should replace him/her.