Mediator Tips
Assessing a Trainee

Judging a trainee's performance is a significant part of the training process. Trainees know the process of mediation in an academic sense, but only have a very little practical mediation experience through their observations. A trainee needs to start developing their own style, and it is up to the mentor to provide a good critique of their performance and encourage them in what they did well. Think about these questions when giving feedback to your trainee.

Introduction: Did the trainee clearly and thoroughly articulate
their role, explain the process, invite you into the
process and/or adequately explain the consent form?

Storytelling: Did the trainee listen reflectively which would include
non-verbal communication, clearly identify issues and
subsequently paraphrase appropriately?

Options: Did the trainee assist the parties in prioritizing, testing
and evaluating their ideas? Did the trainee make
suggestions without imposing a particular solution?
Did the trainee utilize effective strategies to keep the
parties focused (i.e. flip chart, enforcing ground rules)?

Resolution: Did the trainee assist the parties in framing their
agreements both verbally and in writing? Did the
trainee validate each point of agreement with each
party? Did the trainee incorporate the parties words
and feelings into the written agreement? Did the trainee
review the agreement and remind the clients of their
right to legal counsel before signing?