Many teachers, dissatisfied with traditional methods of settling disputes, have tried new ways of conflict resolution, such as negotiation. Students can adapt the process of negotiation as part of a problem-solving philosophy. Conflict resolution training is most effective when it happens in a cooperative context, teaches students to quickly identify conflicts and stresses concrete negotiation procedures. Conflict Resolution Developmental Sequence Conflict resolution viewed as curriculum to be taught is no different than any other subject. When planning instruction to teach negotiation skills, teachers need to ensure that expectations are developmentally appropriate for the age and grade level of the students.
Objectives are reasonable only if learning opportunities and guided practice have been provided.
The following negotiation developmental sequence is intended to provide guidelines for developing lesson objectives to help students learn about and develop proficiency in negotiation. The goal of negotiation is to help students get their needs met appropriately. Students involved participate equally in solving the problem, then decide on the best solution and abide by their own decision. However, the process of negotiation is more important than the outcome, because through that process students are learning problem-solving skills they can apply elsewhere. Negotiation is not a matter of obtaining an instant answer to a problem.