Teaching Students to Be Peacemakers: Results of Five Years of Research

Abstract

Between 1988 and 1994 we conducted 7 studies on the effectiveness of conflict resolution training in 6 different schools in 2 different countries. Students involved were from first through ninth grades. Two approaches to peer mediation were studied--total student body and school cadre. The studies were conducted in both suburban and urban settings. The training programs lasted from 9 to 15 hours in length. Five of the studies involved control groups. In 3 of the studies, classrooms and/or controls were selected randomly from the school; in 1 study students were assigned randomly to conditions. In 4 of the studies teachers were rotated across conditions. The findings indicate that students learn the conflict resolution procedures taught, retain their knowledge throughout the school year, apply the conflict resolution procedures to actual conflicts, transfer the procedures to nonclassroom and nonschool settings, use the procedures similarly in family and school settings, and, when given the option, engage in problem solving rather than win--lose negotiations. The results further demonstrate that conflict resolution procedures can be taught in a way that increases academic achievement and that the adults in the school perceive the conflict resolution program to be constructive and helpful.