Peer Mediation Conflict is defined as a “clash” or disagreement between two or more parties. Although conflict often fosters insight and growth, it is frequently perceived as a problem, something that persistently signals trouble. Someone involved in a troublesome conflict usually feels angry and the clash between the disputants can escalate and explode. Before the clash escalates, students can go through a process in which they have the opportunity to “discuss” the problem with the other person involved in the conflict. This process is known as mediation. Students at Dobie are trained to mediate conflicts between high school students. In the mediation process, the peer mediators act as facilitators in the mediation process. There role is to provide an environment where peaceful resolutions can take place between the students who are in conflict with one another. Mediations are scheduled during the school day. After each mediation, the sponsor goes over the mediation with the peer mediators. This debriefing gives the mediators a chance to continually improve their mediation skills.

Peer Mediation is an active program at Dobie High School supported not only by the administrators, faculty and staff, but by the students themselves. The best endorsement comes from the students themselves. Not only do students seek out mediation to resolve conflict in a positive way, but so many students want to become peer mediators themselves, because they have such a strong desire to help other students. Through peer mediation, students learn to resolve conflict peacefully. It is hoped that these skills will follow the students the rest of their lives. We have a very successful program at Dobie because it is so strongly endorsed by the entire school population. It is a privileged to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of students, and very important program.

Picture of a Mediation

Mediations occur when two or more disputants get into a conflict that they can no longer handle. The mediators guide the disputants into reaching a resolution together.