Peer Mediation

Who are the mediators?

Mediators are specially chosen and trained students who help other students find solutions to their conflicts.

What do mediators do?

When students are involved in a dispute, they are asked if they would like a mediator to help them resolve their problem. If the disputants so choose, the mediators help them by using the mediation process to clarify the nature of the dispute, seek options, and reach a consensus on a mutually satisfactory solution

What skills will mediators learn in the training?

  • Leadership Communication
  • How to listen without taking sides
  • How to express feelings and needs
  • Problem solvingHow to improve school environment
  • How to take responsibility for their own actions.

What are the benefits of instituting a Peer Mediation Program?

  • Mediators gain confidence in their ability to help others.
  • Mediators learn to get along better at home and at school.
  • Mediators' grades often improve.
  • Other students learn from mediators how to get along with each other better.
  • Arguments decrease, so students spend more time learning.
  • Students and teachers are able to work together in more friendly, relaxed way.
  • Students are empowered to resolve their own problems.

BENEFITS OF PEER MEDIATION

Benefits for School Staff

  • Staff spends less time settling disputes among students
  • Mediation decreases the pressure on teachers to serve as constant disciplinarians
  • Mediation reduces tension among staff and students
  • Mediation improves overall school climate through better student-staff relationships

Benefits for Mediators

  • Mediators develop leadership
  • Mediators enhance their note-taking and summarizing skills
  • Mediators increase their self-esteem
  • Mediators' positive status among their peers is increased
  • Mediators learn communication skills which are valuable to many situations
  • Mediators learn problem-solving techniques applicable to may situations
  • Mediators influence other students in a positive manner

Benefits for the Students

  • Students become active in the problem-solving process
  • Mediation leads to a greater commitment to making solutions work
  • Mediation provides positive role models for solving conflicts
  • Students assume greater responsibility for solving their own problems
  • Students recognize that adult intervention is not always necessary
  • The mediation process encourages students to share their feelings and search for constructive ways to meet their needs

Benefits for Families

The mediation process carries over to families. Parents and students have reported that peer mediators use their problem-solving skills at home with their siblings and significant others.

Benefits for Society

Schools that teach students positive ways to resolve conflicts are aiding in the reduction of violence in our society today. Youth who learn to resolve conflicts positively are likely to do the same when they grow up.

Mediator trainees must attend all 24 hours to receive a certificate of completion. The CORA Good Shepherd Mediation peer mediation training is recognized throughout the Commonwealth of PA professional mediation community and meets all of the Association for Conflict Resolution School Mediation Training Guidelines.

This Peer Mediator Training does not ensure a student's competency as a mediator or qualify the adults who participate to train others as peer mediators. Mediator and trainer competency is best assessed through apprenticing with an experienced mediator (or trainer), supervised development and experience.

Scheduling

To schedule this course, please contact CORA Good Shepherd Mediation at (215) 843-5413.