Structure can be Effective

I recently conducted a study based on the work I have done with the Community Mediation Center, my survey was intended to include Community Mediation Center’s questions as well as those calculated by me designed at answering my research questions in an effort to gain an understanding of why peer mediation is not being used in the disciplinary setting. When the survey was given, some of the following comments were made: “no one wants to participate”, “who’s going to be in charge”, and “it will only cause more confusion”.

The survey population consisted of 9th -12th graders located in Norfolk, Virginia, the principal who initiated the program, along with educators; counselors and administrators who participated as observers during training.

This survey was an effort to gain an understanding of students, teachers, counselors, and administrators’ thoughts of a peer mediation program in a school setting. The Findings and Discussion address these questions. “I believe that peer mediation works”; was the first question addressed. Eighty-five percent of the participants believe that peer mediation works, and the participants who did not agree that peer mediation worked based their answers on not enough participation from other students and or staff. However, when asked if they would be willing to learn more about implementing a peer mediation program at their school and participate in a staff or student training the percentage rate dropped.

In an attempt to gain knowledge into how students and administrators felt about peer mediation and the disruption it causes if any to the classroom, I asked the question “I believe that peer mediation would interrupt class time. The difference in the answers was dramatic, with more than 50% of the students replying that they disagreed that it would cause interruption; while more than 50 % of the administrators replying that it would cause interruption.

However, when the question was asked "I believe that peer mediation can work through a structured peer mediation program", more than 75% replied with strongly agreeing. Both students and administrators agree that their school could benefit from a peer mediation program in response to question two.

In connection with the previous question, more than 50% of the participants believe that their school did not have too many students or too many problems in order for peer mediation to work. However, more students believe they could work their problems out through peer mediation while a large percentage of teachers and administrators strongly disagreed.
We frequently think that teachers, administrators, and students exist in completely diverse worlds. Though they all have differences, their opinions are similar in being positive towards peer mediation. A majority of both groups believe in peer mediation; however they believe in order for it to work it must be structured properly. They also noted that peer mediation would be beneficial in their school and should be used as a form of conflict resolution. Undoubtedly, on the other hand, judging from those who responded to the questions on structuring and their role, the majority believes that peer mediation takes dedication and structure from all students, administrators, and teachers; and a majority are willing to participate if everyone is willing to work.

It would seem that because most teachers, administrators, and students all agree that some form of discipline must be used, they would consider peer mediation because it could change the atmosphere of the school. In my opinion I think that a peer mediation program should be instituted into every school setting, so students could gain conflict skills to last them a lifetime. In addition, this would cut down on the suspension rate, keep students in school, and create dialogue.

Michele Riddick Battle
Youth & Community Outreach