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Peer Mediation in Middle Schools
Making Peer Mediation Something the
Students Want.
- If peer mediation is going to work for middle school aged children
it is important that it has a good reputation. There will have to be
a lot of time put in by students and faculty to convince students
that the program works and it is a better alternative then being
suspended or going to a detention.
- If students do not find peer mediation socially acceptable they
will not use it. Most students at this age care more about
"saving face" then actually solving their problems. If
they use a program like peer mediation they fear they will be teased
by friends. At this age most students said they would prefer going
to a teacher or an adult with their problems.
- You need to have a public relation promotions to push the program
into the lives of all students and faculty. Make it impossible to
not know the program exists.
If students find it "un cool" to use the mediator and if
they do not take advantage of the resource, then there is no point in
having the program. There needs to be incentives for using the program
such as not having to go to detention if you see a mediator. The
advantage of peer mediation is students can learn how to handle the
situation better in the future instead of just wasting an hour sitting
in detention. For middle school children it is important to learn how
effective talking out a problem can be as oppose to fighting or losing a
good friend over simple miscommunication. The students are going through
a lot of emotional changes and they need to know the whole school
supports them, both teachers and other students. If they feel as though
they are in a caring climate, that is safe and healthy, they will be
able to better concentrate on their schoolwork.
All these programs positively promote the program and spark curiosity
in the program. Hopefully they also make students more comfortable with
the thought of using a mediator.
- Peer Mediation Scoreboard: This is a place where both
students and faculty can keep up to date on the progress of the
program.
- Peer Mediator of the Week: This is a bulletin board that
features a profile on a different mediator every week so the
students can get to know and be comfortable with the mediators.
- Mediator Day: All mediators wear their shirts on the same
day of the week as to show the school who they are.
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