Intercultural Conflict Resolution in Schools - Assignment Example

Intercultural Conflict Resolution in SchoolsResearch question: Do we have enough mechanisms in our schools to deal with intercultural conflict resolution?The interviewees: In this study, two respondents were interviewed; a student (Willis Ferdinand) and a peer mediator (Ms. Justine Gregory, a teacher from William Faria elementary school in California). In order to get the answer to the research question, an interview protocol was developed, and each of the respondents was administered with five questions.

The questions were developed considering the fact that our schools require mechanisms to deal with intercultural conflict if coexistence is to be established (Burridge, Buchanan & Chodkiewicz, 2009). The responses given by the respondents are listed against each question. Note that for research purposes, the real names of respondents were replaced.INTERVIEWING THE PEER MEDIATORHow do peer mediation programs address intercultural conflict?Justine: These programs help to establish peace, remove vehemence and create healthy relationships among students.

In schools where cultural conflict is low, programs such as the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) have been implemented to help bring an understanding between students of different cultures. Where do schools get peer mediators? Justine: Some schools choose students within themselves and train them to act as peer mediators between conflicting students.How do schools address intercultural conflicts? Justine: The schools address cultural conflicts by making sure these programs are run, and encouraging teachers and parents to respect the diverse cultures within each school system.

This starts by learning of the practices in other people’s cultures in order to ensure awareness. For instance, one’s culture may permit interaction of both sexes both in classroom sitting arrangements and the playgrounds while another culture is against this. The awareness by the students will ensure that the activities conducted by the students do not bring conflicts among them. The school should implement policies that respect each culture. They should educate on the harms of intercultural conflicts and penalize those who are intolerant to coexistence.

How do intercultural practices bring conflicts? Justine: The beliefs of some cultures lead to intercultural conflicts. This is for instance, in cases where big Korean girls share the same school with smaller Korean girls. According to their beliefs, the bigger girls are allowed to assault the smaller ones in case they believe they do not receive enough respect from them. This leads to conflicts.What areas of schooling signify intercultural conflicts facing student?Justine: Students experience different conflicts in relation to cultural difference.

These include socio-economic status conflicts, for instance as seen between Iranians and Soviet Armenians who share same cultural views but conflict in socio-economic status from back in their communities. Conflicts are also evident in formation of cliques, rise of fights, formation of gangs, and even in assigning of homework. INTERVIEWING THE STUDENT Do you know what intercultural conflict is and have you experienced it in your school?Ferdinand: Yes, I know what it is and I have experienced it in my school.

What is the impact of intercultural conflict on schools?Ferdinand: Conflicts bring divisions among students, intimidation among certain groups, violence between the students of different races, and an environment that is not conducive for learning. What form does the conflict take? Ferdinand: intercultural conflict takes the form of bullying, isolating and intimidating students from other culture. Therefore, conflict resolution is critical to peaceful coexistence in schools. How does your school address intercultural differences differently in elementary, middle and high school?

Ferdinand: In my school, handling conflicts among students in elementary schools is different from students in medium and high schools. The teachers in each level of school should develop learning standards, which help the students appreciate each other’s cultural beliefs at their level of study. These standards involve identifying the emotional state and views of others, appreciating each other’s differences, and interacting well with others. How do cultural conflicts affect students?Ferdinand: Students are affected by such conflicts, both in their present and future lives.

Conflicts create disapproval against other’s cultures and cultural practices. Conflicts also lead to emotional and physical changes among the students. The victims of cultural conflicts may become psychologically disturbed and bear bodily harms in case of physical fights by students of different cultures.Reference List Burridge, N., Buchanan, J., & Chodkiewicz, A. (2009). Dealing with Difference: Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms. Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Journal, 1(3), 68-83.