Interpersonal Conflicts Issues - Assignment Example

The class, which focused on concepts about conflicts, had been very informative and illuminating. The most important lessons learned included the theoretical frameworks encompassing conflict: its nature, perspectives, conflict styles, cultural experience that revealed potential conflicts, as well as conflict-resolution strategies (interpersonal negotiation and third-party intervention through mediation) (Hocker & Wilmot, 2014).

One of the strengths noted was the effectiveness of the instructional approach. The instructional method used, especially through essay writing on selected topic modules, was instrumental in applying the concepts of conflicts; in conjunction with readings from the reference book. It was enlightening to assume a reflective stance in determining how conflicts had been personally encountered and how the experience provided lessons in life. For instance, the cultural experience paper enabled me to realize that, despite encountering potential conflict in school through some form of bullying, the lessons on emotional intelligence affirmed that by assuming a more mature and optimistic stance in life, challenges could be perceived as opportunities to do better. In addition, the paper on conflict resolution styles (through interpersonal negotiation and mediation) was beneficial in learning and identifying alternative courses of action and the use of a mediator, to assist in solving problems in diverse situations and settings. The techniques learned, especially in focusing on mediation, could help when one encounters conflicts in the work setting or academic endeavours. By being made aware of the four phases of mediation, one would be more confident in applying these steps toward assisting conflicting parties to resolve their differences. Thus, the competencies gained through advanced knowledge of these conflict concepts would significantly assist in interpersonal negotiation or mediation.

Although the instructional approach and the learning objectives were met, as planned, the course could still be improved through the provision of case studies to augment topics on conflict resolution. The students could be provided with mini-case studies on conflict and try to solve these problems using the theories learned from the reference book. Case studies would be good instructional materials which could be discussed in class and assigned according to groups. A class discussion could ensue after a case study presentation to discern whether the recommended conflict resolution strategy proposed by the group, or the individual, is the best course of action to solve the conflict. Concurrently, another suggested material could be located through online sites, conflicts that were never resolved. Again, as a class, in groups, or on an individual basis, the proposed conflict resolution strategies could be proposed.