What are the common pitfalls when it comes to resolving conflicts in education?

1 Lack of communication

One of the main causes of conflicts in education is poor or insufficient communication. This can happen when parties have different expectations, assumptions, perceptions, or interpretations of a situation, and do not express them clearly or listen to each other. For example, a student may feel frustrated by a teacher's feedback, a teacher may feel disrespected by a parent's complaint, or a parent may feel ignored by an administrator's decision. To prevent or resolve these conflicts, it is important to communicate openly, respectfully, and constructively, and to seek to understand the other's perspective and needs.

2 Lack of empathy

Another common pitfall when it comes to resolving conflicts in education is lack of empathy. Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another's shoes and to feel what they are feeling. Without empathy, parties may not be able to appreciate the impact of their actions or words on others, or to recognize the emotions and values that drive their behavior. For example, a student may not realize how hurtful their bullying is to another student, a teacher may not understand how stressful a parent's situation is, or a parent may not appreciate how challenging a teacher's job is. To foster or restore empathy, it is helpful to use active listening, emotional intelligence, and perspective-taking skills, and to show compassion and care.

3 Lack of trust

A third common pitfall when it comes to resolving conflicts in education is lack of trust. Trust is the belief that the other party is honest, reliable, competent, and benevolent. Without trust, parties may not be willing to cooperate, compromise, or share information, or they may resort to blaming, accusing, or avoiding. For example, a student may not trust a teacher's judgment, a teacher may not trust a parent's support, or a parent may not trust an administrator's authority. To build or rebuild trust, it is essential to demonstrate integrity, accountability, transparency, and respect, and to follow through on commitments and promises.

4 Lack of skills

A fourth common pitfall when it comes to resolving conflicts in education is lack of skills. Skills are the abilities and techniques that enable parties to manage and resolve conflicts effectively and peacefully. Without skills, parties may not know how to identify the root causes of conflicts, how to generate and evaluate possible solutions, how to negotiate and reach agreements, or how to prevent or cope with impasses. For example, a student may not know how to express their feelings or needs, a teacher may not know how to facilitate a dialogue or a mediation, or a parent may not know how to collaborate or advocate. To acquire or improve skills, it is beneficial to seek training, coaching, or mentoring, and to practice and apply them in real or simulated situations.

5 Lack of support

A fifth common pitfall when it comes to resolving conflicts in education is lack of support. Support is the assistance and resources that parties can access or provide to help them deal with conflicts. Without support, parties may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or powerless, or they may not have the necessary tools or information to resolve conflicts. For example, a student may not have a peer or a counselor to talk to, a teacher may not have a colleague or a supervisor to consult, or a parent may not have a network or a policy to refer to. To obtain or offer support, it is advisable to seek or create opportunities for collaboration, consultation, or referral, and to use or share available resources or services.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?