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Stages
of Arbitration in Schools
Personal methods of solving conflicts can be combined with arbitration
proceedings and dispute settlement.
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Initially
the opponents attempt to deal with the conflict themselves (according to
the rules learnt).
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If the
parties fail to solve the problem themselves, they fall back on
arbitration by fellow pupils.
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If this
fails, arbitration is continued by the teaching body.
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In case
this fails to help the conflicting parties further, the teacher makes an
arbitrator's award.
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An
arbitrator's award serves to provide extrinsic motivation to the
conflicting parties to find a solution for themselves, since award may
please the parties less than a solution to the problem arrived at by the
parties themselves.
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In
difficult cases, arbitration and the arbitrator's award is provided by the
Headmaster in a last instance. |
[Karin
Jefferys-Duden: Streit schlichten lernen. In: Pädagogik, 7-8/99, S. 53 f.] |
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Pupil-Dispute-Arbitration
The arbitration
discussion is heavily ritualised and comprises four steps:
1.
Introduction: Welcoming statement,
clarifying aims, defining principles - confidentiality and neutrality
– clarifying the arbitration process, explaining the rules of
discussion, agreeing who begins the discussion.
2.
Clarification: Reporting, summing up,
enquiring, expressing mood, articulating upon share of conflict,
moving on.
3.
Solutions: Considering potential
solutions, writing down potential solutions, selecting solutions,
agreeing solutions.
4.
Agreements: Putting agreements down
in writing, having them signed and letting the parties take their
leave. The agreement can be recorded on a special arbitration form.
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