Conflict and Restorative Approaches Aims and objectives Aims

Conflict and Restorative Approaches

Aims and objectives Aims: Identifying personal and interpersonal conflict, behaviours, emotions and impact of conflict. Problem solving when a conflict occurs and the restorative approach Objectives: • Students define conflict and what can cause it, the difference between personal and interpersonal conflict and relate this to the decisions they make in their own lives • Students will identify both the positive and negative outcomes of conflict and reflect on the impact of both • Students will analyse emotional and physical changes during conflict and summarise how this can impact health and wellbeing • Students will recall de-escalation techniques and the restorative approach and identify times this can be used in their own lives • Students will recall where to get help and support, including self referral and have the opportunity to record this 2

Conflict What is conflict and how can it present? – discuss in groups. Lets look at the definition Oxford English Dictionary definitions: • A serious disagreement or argument • A serious incompatibility between two or more opinions, principles, or interests • Be incompatible or at variance; clash 3

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Personal and interpersonal Conflict What is the difference between personal and interpersonal conflict? Discuss in small groups. What are your ideas – discuss as a larger group Lets look at the next couple of slides to see in more detail. 5

Personal conflict takes many forms, some more serious than others: • Personal conflict is an ethical decision that has to made. • For instance, a person has to decide whether to report a wallet found with £ 100 inside or to keep it for himself. • Taking responsibility for mistakes is a source of personal conflict. A person has to decide whether or not the consequences of accepting the blame are worth it. • Making big decisions that will alter a person's life creates personal conflict. 6

Interpersonal conflict • Interpersonal conflict is a fact of life – and truth be told, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is the difference of opinion between two persons or groups which results in an argument or at times, a clash. • Interpersonal conflicts are struggles which usually arise from contrasting ethics, values, beliefs etc. 7

Positive and negative outcomes of conflict Are there only negatives in conflict? Are there any positives in conflict? Discuss as a group. Lets look and see on the next slide 8

Positive and negative outcomes of conflict Positives • Debating – pros and cons of ideas • Feedback • Reviews • Change • Improved relationships • Reduction in stress • Clarity – new information • Resolution • Problem solving • Accountability and responsibility 9 Negatives • Petty arguments and disagreements • Change • Increase in stress • Worse relationships • Possibility of violence • Hurt feelings • Denial Do you agree with the lists?

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What can cause interpersonal conflict Think of things that can cause interpersonal conflict. Lets look at some of those things: • • • Poor communication Assumptions Perceived or actual differences Personal grievances Friction • Defence of others • Incorrect information • Change • Personal circumstances • Personalities Do you agree with these? Did you think of any others? 11

Triggers What might be triggers of conflict? Give your ideas Lets look at some options • Heightened emotions • Stress • Perception of injustice • Fear • Prejudices • Isolation • Anger • Retaliation/revenge 12 • Trust • Previous experience

Emotions What emotions might you see before, during and after conflict – give your ideas. Here are some: • Anger/aggression • Irritation • Sadness • Anxiety • Frustration • Relief • Happiness 13 Did you think of any more?

Physical changes What physical changes might you see before, during and after conflict? Here are some ideas: • Hot • Sweating • Shaking • Speech and tone of voice • May inflate or reduce body shape– dependant upon emotions Did you think of any different ones? 14

Behaviours What behaviours might build during conflict? • Challenge • Aggressive • Passive/aggressive • Defiance • Argumentative Why might they increase conflict? With emotions and physical changes the conflict may escalate due 15 to lack of resolution or inability to control either of the changes.

Role play Willing participants required! We are now going to look at a classroom scenario where conflict will escalate. Lets see how it can be poorly managed. Make some notes of how this was handled. 16

De-escalation and restorative approaches • Thinking about the role play, how could this be handled in a restorative way? • Same role play – restorative script 17

What is a restorative approach? Does anyone have any experiences of it. Positive or negative? In broad terms, restorative approaches constitute an approach to challenging behaviour, which puts repairing harm done to relationships and people, over and above the need for assigning blame and dispensing punishment. Restorative approaches support emotional, social development, literacy and equips people with the ability to manage conflict when it occurs. Restorative approaches help build respect, responsibility, resolution and reintegration. 18

What is a restorative approach? We believe that restorative approaches work by building relationships, maintaining relationships and repairing relationships when harm has been caused. restorative approaches provide us with the foundation to build, maintain and repair relationships positively with students, tutors and communities. By working together with people, in equal measures of high support and high control, we can achieve our aim to develop responsibility and ownership, and from that a sustainable college and sustainable communities. Do you agree? 19

Restorative principles It is important to say that many people will behave and work in a restorative way without recognising it. This is because restorative principles underpin a variety of different practice models and techniques. 20

Does it work? The Woolf Within Peter Woolf was a prolific offender, ensconced in a world of violence and depravity, who, by his own reckoning committed about 20, 000 crimes. Then he burgled a house, fought with his victim and ended up in prison yet again. This time though it was different. Peter met with his victim, Will, in a restorative justice session that took place in the prison. The meeting changed both their lives for ever. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=A 1 s 6 w. Ke. GLQk 21

Lifestyle choices and risks All of which can cause conflict What sort of lifestyle choices could cause conflict? In small groups write down your ideas and share with the group. Lets look at the list below and see if you have thought of anything different. • Drugs and alcohol misuse • Debt • Sexual health • Unemployment • Health and mental health – to include energy drinks • Criminal activity • Gangs/knife crime 22 Why would any of these cause conflict? Give you ideas and discuss as a group.

Where can you get help • Where would you go to seek help? • Who would you ask? • Where would you go outside of college to get help? 23

Where to get help • Tutors, co-educators, any member of staff • Internet • Moodle • Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team 24

Thank you for listening Keep yourself safe If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s safety or wellbeing, you can tell any member of staff or contact the Safeguarding team yourself. The Safeguarding team are here to make sure that all students are safe both in and out of college. You can contact them on: 25