Home | About this site | Lesson Plans | Student Training | Adult & College | Downloads |Site Support | About us Home | About this site | Lesson Plans | Student Training | Adult & College | Downloads |Site Support | About us
Mac Safari Users: If pdf files will not open:
Open Acrobat or Adobe Reader, go to its internet preferences, and uncheck “Display PDF in browser using...”
Then go to HD/Library/Internet Plug-Ins and make sure AdobePDFViewer.plugin is not in there.
Peer Mediator Training Workshop Presenter Notes
Opening Hook - no workbook page involved
Need: "Acting School - Role Play Rules" Poster & "Steps of Mediation/Role Play Rules" placards at each table.
Opening Hook after introducing yourself as workshop presenter.
Materials needed See "The Hook" section at this link:
Bic lighter, barbecue starter, fake bundle of TNT, candlestick with a single red candle (ready to light). Fire extinguisher available - mostly for effect. Locate room light switch.
Begin by stating that this is a workshop regarding conflict management. The method of management that we will study today is mediation. And we will learn how to become peer mediators who help our fellow students and our school.
Then, with room lights out, and explain that conflict literally means. "to strike together" and that there is a flint in the Bic lighter that is "struck" (in a manner of speaking) by the thumb wheel as one operates the lighter. Light the lighter allowing MITs to see flame, or the result of or "conflict" spark between the wheel and flint as they "strike (rub) together.
For safety and comfort, switch to BBQ lighter to continue (safer to hold) stating that principle is the same. Light it and hold it up for group to see the flame (the flame of upset, or anger).
Ask, "Is this flame bad or good?"
A brief discussion should end up with an answer like, ". . . depends on what we decide to do next. . ."
The "TNT" bundle with visible "fuse" and candlestick with single red candle on are on table as options to light for the decision maker > > > Us! We are always a decision maker. Everyone!
If we light the TNT what happens? ------ Heat, light and extended problems in the form of negative effects to be faced later.
If we decide to light the candle what happens. ----- Heat light and extended time to deal with the conflict here and now, with potentially less negative effects.
If you prefer to light the TNT, you may want to go to the ROTC meeting at the high school. That is the path for warriors.
If you prefer to light the candle, stay here. This is a path to become peacemakers, or mediators!
Light the candle and discuss (briefly) the heat and light we experience.
Every moment that we are upset, then, is a decision opportunity - war or peace? Conflict happens, and it's all around us. Our path is our decision, moment by moment. War or peace? We as mediators help those who are in dispute (disputants) find the path to their peace.
To end hook, turn room lights on and extinguish candle and put it and TNT in out of the way and out of site securely- we're done with it.
This page: rev26April09
version