Peer Mediation
“Students helping students”
By: Lindsay Prodorutti
What is Peer Mediation?
Peer Mediation is a
communication process
in which the individuals
with a problem work
together, assisted by a
neutral third party, to
solve the problem.
History of Peer Mediation
 Peer mediation programs started in the
1980’s
 Known as “Conflict Managers”
 Introduced by the San Francisco
Community Board of Policy and Training
Peer Mediation: Vocabulary
Mediate: To intervene between two or more
disputing parties in order to bring about an
agreement
Disputant: One engaged in an argument or conflict
Ground Rule: One of the several basic rules for
conducting peer mediation, spelled out to the
disputants at the beginning of the session.
Peer Mediation
 Mediation Process: Six Step Model
 Step #1:
Agree to mediation (Request Form)
Make introductions
 State ground rules
 Step #2:
Gather information
 Ask each person to explain what
happened
 Ask each person whether he or she
wants to add anything
Peer Mediation
Mediation Process: Six Step Model
 Step #3:
 Focus on common interests
 Determine and summarize shared
interests
 Step #4:
 Create options
 Brainstorm solutions and ask disputants
what can be done to resolve the problem
Peer Mediation
Mediation Process: Six Step Model
 Step #5:
Evaluate the options
 Ask each person what could be done to
resolve the problem
 Step #6:
 Create an agreement
 Write up an agreement and have
disputants sign it
 Shake hands
Example of Peer Mediation Process:
While watching the video:
• High school setting
• Watch how Sarah explains the
student mediation process at her
school
• Peer Mediation Agreement
Form: Documentation File
Peer Mediation: A Process of Respect
Peer Mediation
Four Basic Principles:
1. Neutrality
2. Self-determination
3. Confidentiality
4. Voluntary Consent
Peer Mediation Program
 Most
widely used conflict resolution
program in schools
 Conflict Resolution Tool
Instead of disciplinary actions:
Suspension & Detention
 Time-consuming role
 “Our school is a place where we can talk
about our differences. We don’t have to
fight to get justice.”
Peer Mediation attacks the problem not the person.
Who are the mediators?
• Students (Sarah-Video)
• 2-4 day training
• Students can begin working with a peer
mediation program as early as the 3rd
grade
• Develop skills:
•
Listening to both sides
•
Gaining trust
•
Identifying positions, issues, and
interests
•
Building communication between
parties
•
Dealing with emotions
•
Problem solving skills
•
Using settlement techniques
Sample Peer Mediation Program Budget
School A: Under $5,000
• Program team training (7 people @ $400)
• Coordinator (faculty extracurricular pay)
• Student training
• Materials (30 student manuals)
• Certificates
• Operating expenses
• Promotional materials
• Forms and printing for ongoing
training
Total= $4,960
Sample Peer Mediation Program Budget
School B: Over $40,000
• Program team training (7 people @ $400)
• Full-time coordinator salary
• Student training
• Trainer consultation fee
• Materials (30 student manuals)
• Certificates
• Operating expenses
• Promotional materials
• Forms and printing for ongoing
training
Total= $46,460
Hatboro-Horsham High School
SAP
Student Assistance Program
Mission Statement:
Students can confront, conquer or at least
manage their problems with encouragement
and support from:
•HH SAP team
•Faculty at HHHS
•Mentor students & other HH
students in groups
“We don't always create the conflicts that enter our
lives, but we can always choose our response to those
conflicts”
Hatboro-Horsham High School
SAP
Student Assistance Program
Groups are based on the needs and desires of our students:
•Self-Esteem
•Anger Management
•Men’s Group
•Women’s Issues
•Open Support
• Family Issues
•Grief and Loss
•Decision Making
• Drug & Alcohol
•Diversity
• New Students Group
•Children from Divorced Families
•Freshmen-Senior Mentor Group
Classroom Implementation
Mrs. Sanford’s 4th Grade Class Webpage:
“I decided to introduce peer mediation in my classroom
even though our school is not currently using this
disciplinary method. I feel that it will help to create a
trusting and respectful community. It is my hope that
discipline problems will be minimal so that we can spend
our time working and solving problems that are
curriculum based.”
Webpage provides:
• Scenarios
• Videos
• Forms
• Training
Peer Mediation Results
•Peer mediation programs are very successful
when students are trained effectively-58%-93% of the time success was achieved.
Success is measured if agreement was
reached and maintained
•A 36% reduction of school wide general
disruptive behavior, this includes fighting, verbal
abuse, and arguments
•Two studies have shown that peer mediation has
reduced 75% of the occurrences of suspensions
What kinds of disputes can be mediated?
 Misunderstandings between
students
 Teasing or name-calling
 Relationship arguments
 Accusations of theft or destruction of
property
 Rumors and/or fights between
groups
Group Activity
Jocks, Nerds, Bullies, Popular Crowd, Teacher’s Pet
Scenario
Lauren:
Ever since you wouldn’t let your friend Melissa copy
the answers to your math test, Melissa has been writing
threatening e-mails to you and spreading rumors about
you to your friends. It’s been two weeks and you’re
tired of putting up with it. You start spreading rumors
about her and pranking her cell phone. The next day,
Melissa is waiting for you after school, ready to fight.
Question:
Instead of retaliating, what do you think Lauren should
have done to resolve the problem?
Peer Mediation:
As a group discuss the Advantages/Disadvantages of
Peer Mediation.
Have you ever witnessed/experienced Peer Mediation
during grade school?
Peer Mediation
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Resolves student
conflicts
 Privacy
 Teaches students
essential life skills
 Motivates students
to resolve their
conflicts
collaboratively
Increases selfesteem
 Improves school
climate
 Meets needs of
both students and
educators
 Student cooperation
 Students are
embarrassed
 Process of training
peer mediators
References
Schrumpf, F. (1997). Peer Mediation: Conflict Resolution in
Schools. Illinois: Research Press.
Bodine,R. J. & Crawford, D. K. (1998). The handbook of
conflict resolution education: A guide to building
quality programs in schools. San Francisco: JosseyBass.
Johnson, D.W.,& Johnson,R. T. (1996). Conflict resolution and
peer mediation programs in elementary and secondary
schools: A review of the research. Review of
Educational Research.
Peer Mediation. Study Guides and Strategies. Retrieved
November 22, 2011, from
http://www.studygs.net/peermed.htm.