It is amazing how effective this seemingly, simple second step is at helping participants understand the situation and preparing them for the next steps. Third, the participants brainstorm possible solutions. The fourth and final step is for the participants to agree upon a solution, with the mediator's role being to assure the solution selected is feasible, concrete, and precise. Mediators are also entrusted with insuring the participants are respectful of one another and evening the playing field when one participant has less power or information than the other. In conflict resolution education, the skills used in mediation are learned experientially and applied to different situations.
Students learn that the process can be as important as the result.
Compare for yourself the difference in your reaction to being told by your spouse that you are moving to having a discussion in which you both agree moving is best. Compare also your comfort level if you and your spouse disagree, but both feel certain through your arsenal of problem solving skills you will ultimately reach agreement. Students also learn by observing adults' behavior. Yet, many school administrators react to parents' concerns by ignoring them or informing parents that their only option is legal recourse. In fact, mediation is currently being conducted between parents and schools very successfully, primarily in special education matters.