How To Manage Classroom Conflict

For the resolution of conflicts in the classroom, proper communication between the three parties is essential: teachers, parents and students. For this, there are a series of guidelines to be taken into account.

Classroom conflicts are a reality that does not escape the present. Educational centers are not only spaces for learning, but also for coexistence; the school is a space where, when disagreements are generated, they must be addressed and resolved in some way.

Although these conflicts generated between students and teachers are very common, it is important to seek a solution for their positive resolution. Then, we’ll delve into this subject to find possible ways out.

What are conflicts?

First, it is important to know when a conflict itself is established. In other words, conflicts are situations in which two or more people are involved, who do not agree on something, have different and incompatible opinions. Conflicts are common in everyday life.

Thus, conflicts can arise between the teacher and the student, as well as between the students themselves. Depending on the type of conflict and how it is handled , it can directly affect class development and the learning process.

Tips for managing conflicts in the classroom

While there is no secret formula for solving these problems, as the contexts and people in each situation are different, there are several strategies or tips that are very effective in managing conflicts in the classroom.

In any situation, whether among adults or among children, it is important to involve the little ones in the resolution of the dispute so that they can learn about understanding, resolute attitudes and teamwork.

Conflict prevention

First, it is necessary to establish a good atmosphere in the classroom and correct discipline to avoid possible conflicts. The responsible adult, that is, the teacher, must dedicate time for the children to present a problem, preferably individually.

Furthermore, it is important to teach about values ​​and encourage the development of emotional and social skills in children and students. An excellent tool for achieving this is group activities.

On the other hand, a good way to avoid the emergence of conflicts in the classroom is for each teacher to establish together with the children some basic rules of coexistence; this will also help to plan activities that develop and encourage dialogue and coexistence.

Promote communication

Human relationships within the classroom are clearly marked by communication, verbal and non-verbal. It is important to include in the usual tasks activities that have to do with the development of communication skills among the students themselves and also within the student-teacher axis.

At this point, it is essential that the teacher also work on their communication skills, as the atmosphere that develops in the classroom will depend on this.

Although conflicts often cannot be avoided, communication can be the essential tool to find a solution to the problem. The resolution of conflicting situations through frank dialogue and active listening to each party are ways of acting that must be respected and taught.

Analysis of the nature, severity and persistence of conflict in the classroom

Conflicts generated in the classroom can be social, cultural, curricular or relational; in addition, they can have different levels of severity. To resolve them, we must first identify the source of the conflict, the participants and the interests at stake.

Always use mediation as a fundamental tool.

On many occasions, the people who participate in the conflict cannot resolve it on their own. That’s when the mediation tool comes into play, which is extremely useful in conflicts between students, where the teacher plays the role of mediator.

When there are problems between children or adults in the classroom, the parent, teacher, or any adult has an obligation to help the parties reach an agreement that works for everyone.

Mediation is a widely used and highly effective technique for managing conflicts in the classroom. This technique is mainly based on communication, equality and autonomy. Furthermore, when exercised by the same protagonists, it achieves fairer and more equitable results.

That is, educational institutions and those who work there must constantly promote students’ communication skills so that they can be used with teachers and among students themselves.

The classroom is a living space where there will always be some conflict; it is important to know how to manage it so that it does not affect the group and the learning process.