Student Web Activites

Chapter 6: Groups and Formal Organizations

"Peer Mediation"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned about the different types of groups that form in society, as well as the varying degrees of conflict that sometimes occur as these groups interact. Conflict is a natural part of life, but it should not be allowed to escalate into excessive verbal and physical violence. One solution that increasingly has been adopted by schools to deal with conflict among students is peer mediation. In this activity you will read an article about peer mediation to discover its purpose, process, and potential for success.

Web sites
Peer Conflict Mediation
Learn more about conflict mediation at this Web site, including the definition, process involved, and objectives.

Conflict Resolution
What is conflict resolution? Read through this Web site to see how it works and what you can do to help resolve conflicts peacefully.

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Activity
Devise a plan for a peer mediation program at your school. If your school already has such a program, study it and see if there is anything you would change to make it better or more effective. Write up a one-page proposal for your program, making sure to include its goals, how peer mediators will be chosen and trained, when and where mediation could take place, and data that proves the success of peer mediation programs in other schools. Conduct additional research if necessary.