Description
This course has been created for teachers who want to understand group dynamics and how they affect the classroom. The tensions, alliances, and relational struggles among students can interfere with learning and create an unfavorable school environment.
Participants will learn about the various types of conflict and how to use them as an opportunity for growth. Through hands-on, practical activities that can be immediately used in the classroom, participants will increase their own ability to model and encourage active listening, empathy, and emotional literacy among today’s students – and tomorrow’s active citizens.
By the end of the course, participants will enjoy a greater awareness of their students’ emotional needs and behavior and will have the skills to promote stronger classroom relationships and a more positive climate in school – for teachers and students.
Concept by: Susan Gagliano
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to understand how to:
- Conflict – causes, manifestations and how to turn it into a teaching moment;
- Practical approaches for incorporating conflict management into curriculum;
- Effective, practical communication tools for better school relations and community building;
- Emotional and social intelligence skills – how to enhance and foster them in yourself and others;
- Relational aggression and bullying – school-wide approaches for awareness and prevention;
- Hands-on, practical activities to favor wellbeing, group cohesion, sense of belonging in the school community.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction & introduction to conflict management
Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
Introduction to conflict management
- Lesson and discussion about group dynamics, positive and negative outcomes of conflict, aggressive behavior, bullying and various ‘roles’ played by group members;
- Hand-on activities to promote awareness.
Day 2 – Importance of teamwork
- Lesson and experiences regarding classroom cohesion, importance of forming a ‘team’;
- Conflict as an opportunity for growth;
- Practical activities using course members as a model for understanding group dynamics.
Day 3 – Diffusing conflict
- Lesson and activities about empathy, active listening and reformulation as powerful tools in diffusing conflict and strengthening relationships;
- Practical activities and role play.
Day 4 – Practical strategies for the classroom
- Lesson about strategies such as peer mediation, circle time activities, class diary, etc. and how to use them effectively in the classroom;
- Practical and experiential activities.
Day 5 – Overview
- Simulation of lessons by course members using tools and abilities for creating an emotionally caring environment;
- Group discussion.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
