Guidance Office

What do peer mediators do?

When peers are in conflict, the mediator serves as a neutral facilitator of conflict resolution.  The mediator will:

1. Remind peers of how to be respectful during conflict resolution (i.e., speak in a calm tone of voice)

2. Give each peer a chance to tell their sides of the conflict

3. Prompt the peers to brainstorm solutions and pick a solution that seems fair to all of them

4. Record the details of the conflict and the solution, and provides that information to the teachers of the peers in conflict and the school counselor

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What types of conflict are appropriate for peer mediation?

Minor conflicts are appropriate for peer mediation, such as difficulty collaborating on a project, a misunderstanding between classmates, a difference of opinion, or challenges playing together.  All parties must agree to peer mediation in order for mediation to occur.

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How are teachers/staff involved in peer mediation?

If students are interested in participating in mediation, they must receive permission from their teachers in advance (students cannot request assistance from mediators directly). Teachers screen the conflict to ensure it is appropriate for mediation. When mediation takes place, mediators record the details of the conflict and the solution, then provide that summary to the teachers of the peers in conflict, as well as to the school counselor.  The teachers and school counselor review the summary to ensure the matter was resolved appropriately and will provide follow-up conflict resolution if necessary.

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How are mediators selected and trained?

Only 5th grade students can serve as mediators.  Mediators should:

• Have good communication skills

• Be trustworthy and responsible

• Demonstrate leadership skills

• Model appropriate friendship skills. 

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Mediators are trained on:

• The nature of conflict (i.e., conflict can be helpful)

• Communication strategies (i.e., active listening)

• The steps of mediation

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Who can participate in mediation?

Even though only 5th graders may serve as mediators, any 4th or 5th grade student may participate in mediation.

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What do students have to say about mediation?

Students report that they like working with peers mediators because they feel it's helpful to talk things out with someone else their own age.  What they like most is having an opportunity to hear their peer's perspective regarding the problem.  The majority of students who participate in mediation report they would do mediation again or recommend it to a friend.  Students have made comments such as:

• “We got our problem solved.”

• “We became better friends because we realized what we did wrong and what we could do better.”

• “I liked talking with another student (the mediator) – they relate to us better because they’re also a kid.”

• “Mediators don’t tell you what to do – you get to solve it.  I liked that it wasn’t bossy.”

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What do teachers have to say about mediation?

Teachers appreciate that peer mediation allowed students to have direct, peer-to-peer problem-solving opportunities, as well as the learning experience that it provides to the peer mediators.  Teachers have made comments such as:

• “When my students used peer mediation, I thought it helped them resolve the conflict and move forward with their friendship!”

• “I love that the peer mediators have a leadership opportunity at Village.”

• “The kids having a conflict seemed to benefit.”

• “It’s a great learning opportunity for the mediators.”

• “I think it is great!”