Students Learn the Skill of Conflict Resolution in a Multi-Age Class

Summary

The video script from AS1's sixth-period elective showcases a unique approach to teaching conflict resolution and mindfulness. Students engage in meditation and open discussions to learn the importance of being present and focused. Through a 'forum' class, they resolve disputes peacefully, learning to communicate and listen effectively. The narrative illustrates the empowerment of children to handle their issues without resorting to violence or seeking external intervention, highlighting the class's success in fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The elective class begins with a moment of meditation to help students focus and be present with others.
• 👥 The class is voluntary and includes students from every grade, even kindergarten.
• 📝 Yosi's forum form submission about his kipa incident is a key example of how students share personal experiences.
• 🕊 The class, called 'the forum,' is designed to resolve conflicts peacefully without resorting to violence.
• 🤝 Students learn to ask questions for clarity and find solutions to conflicts among themselves.
• 👶 Even younger students like first-graders can ask insightful questions that contribute to conflict resolution.
• 🗣️ The class emphasizes the importance of communication and listening in resolving issues.
• 🤔 Students reflect on their actions and consider the need for apologies in certain situations.
• 🏃‍♂️ The elective teaches students that there are alternatives to physical aggression or seeking external help for conflicts.
• 💪 Students are empowered to handle their own problems and disputes independently.
• 🤝 The resolution of Yosi's kipa incident illustrates a successful example of peaceful conflict resolution within the class.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the meditation exercise at the start of the sixth-period elective class?

The meditation exercise is intended to help students learn focus and be in the presence of others, which is an important skill for their personal development.

How did the elective class begin in terms of student participation?

The class began with 12 students, one from each grade including kindergarten, without the teacher eliciting interest; they chose to be in the class.

What is a kipa or yarmulke according to Yosi?

A kipa or yarmulke is a head covering that Yosi wears as a symbol of what he believes in.

What is the primary focus of the class called 'the forum'?

The forum class is dedicated to helping students resolve their problems peacefully through discussion and understanding.

How did Yosi get his kipa back after the incident with another student?

Yosi retrieved his kipa from the ground after the other student had taken it away.

What role do the students play in resolving conflicts during the forum class?

Students ask questions for clarity and work together to figure out a way to solve the problem without outside help.

What did the narrator mention about the insightful questions asked during the class?

The narrator noted that some of the most insightful questions were asked by first-graders.

Why did the student push Yosi back after accidentally running into him?

The student pushed Yosi back because he was angry, even though the initial contact was accidental and not malicious.

What alternative to violence does Carmen emphasize in the class?

Carmen emphasizes the importance of talking and listening to each other as an alternative to hitting, screaming, yelling, or seeking outside intervention.

What did Yosi request from Levi to resolve their conflict?

Yosi requested that Levi should not take his kipa, and Levi agreed to accommodate this request.

What empowerment do the children learn from the forum class?

The children learn that they can become empowered to take care of their own issues without needing to run and get someone else involved.