|
When everyone in the school or class has a shared understanding of the Heartwood attributes, they already have a lot of “common ground” to help in solving disputes. Keeping the attributes in mind at each stage of peacemaking helps participants stay positive, deepens discussions, and promotes mutual understanding. If your students are already familiar with basic conflict resolution, help them make the connections by asking them to think about all the ways the Heartwood attributes are involved in peacemaking.
OBJECTIVE: Intermediate students with at least a basic understanding of conflict resolution will explore how ethical concepts are applied in peacemaking. INSTRUCTIONS: Write “Conflict Resolution Takes Courage” on the chalkboard. Introduction: “Let’s think about how Courage is connected with conflict resolution. Can you think of a moment during conflict resolution when the parties or the mediator would need Courage?” Write down the ideas offered by students, modeling how you would like students to capture their ideas, that is, as lists of phrases, full sentences, or in a paragraph. Format 1: On subsequent days (e.g., once a month), assign the other six attributes as brief (10-15 minute) “board work” when students arrive for class (“Conflict Resolution Takes Loyalty,” etc.). Format 2: Assign the remaining six attributes to six cooperative learning groups. Each group should have a recorder and reporter. After thinking of connections for 10-15 minutes, groups should share their ideas with the class. The downloadable lists below show the kinds of connections students may come up with in this activity. Share the lists with students after they come up with their own ideas.
How the Attributes Help Us Make Peace
The Attributes in Every Stage of Conflict Resolution |
 |
 |
Peacemaking with Heartwood