High School Grade  Project 4 weeks

Conflict Busters: A Guide for School Peace

Zejun Z
Updated
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Purpose

This project aims to equip high school students with practical conflict resolution skills by engaging them in a collaborative exploration of everyday conflicts they encounter. Through active participation with community partners, students will identify common conflicts, analyze their root causes, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing resolution strategies. By creating a student-friendly resolution guidebook, students will consolidate their findings into a tangible resource that promotes healthier interactions. The project culminates in an exhibition where students present their guidebooks, fostering a school-wide dialogue on conflict resolution and encouraging a more harmonious school environment.

Learning goals

Students will identify and analyze everyday conflicts they encounter, exploring their root causes and existing resolutions. They will research and evaluate the effectiveness of various conflict resolution strategies, both conventional and innovative. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop a student-friendly guidebook that offers practical solutions, fostering skills in critical thinking, communication, and empathy. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students present their guidebooks, demonstrating their understanding and ability to address conflicts constructively.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a comprehensive conflict resolution guidebook tailored for their peers, which may take the form of a real book, picture book, or a series of short instructional videos. Throughout the project, students will engage in research, interviews, and role-playing activities to gather insights and test conflict resolution strategies. The final guidebook will be shared with the school community through an exhibition, showcasing the students' findings and recommendations for effectively managing everyday conflicts.

Launch

Begin the project by organizing a "Conflict Awareness Day" where students engage in role-playing activities to simulate common conflicts they face. Invite community partners, including parents, teachers, and peers, to share their experiences and insights on conflict resolution. Facilitate group discussions to identify everyday conflicts and explore their root causes, setting the stage for students to investigate and develop effective strategies.

Exhibition

Students will present their conflict resolution guidebooks in a school-wide exhibition, showcasing real books, picture books, or short instructional videos. This event will involve community partners, including parents, peers, and teachers, who will engage with the students' work and provide feedback. The exhibition will also feature interactive stations where attendees can participate in conflict resolution scenarios, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and application of effective strategies.