Sees conflict between students and between students and staff as imposing problem facing urban education. Considers causes of conflicts and describes conflict resolution pilot program implemented in inner-city middle school. Describes relapse among program participants and concludes that interventions must be long term and consistently available.…

Discusses what high schools can do to improve student relationships, highlighting a St. Louis area school's efforts to develop peer-mentoring and peer-mediation programs. Offers guidelines to help other schools develop a school culture that promotes caring, teaches constructive conflict resolution, and reduces potential for violence. (MLH)

Reports on a marriage preparation program using a small discussion-group format and pre- and postwedding sessions, emphasizing communication patterns and conflict resolution. Evaluation shows that spouses in such a program are less likely to engage in destructive conflict with each other, and that spouses would seek assistance in solving problems.…

This document presents outcomes of the Social Competency Program: Reach Out to Schools Project, a program designed to help elementary students learn and practice interpersonal and problem-solving skills. It is based on the understanding that positive peer relationships and a supportive, caring classroom community are essential to students' social…

This document analyzes the responses to a survey conducted in 1997 on the role of the Ombuds Office in higher education, and also considers the characteristics of professional neutrality needed for successful conflict resolution. Of 178 institutions surveyed, 109 responses include 54 institutions with ombudsmen, 7 without such a position but with…

American crime and violence have overflowed onto the college/university campus, and are now affecting senior high, junior high and elementary schools. This research presents suggested causes of school crime and also suggests possible solutions. In most urban environments, crime is a "way of life." When assessing the family incomes of…

The following are among the 40 papers included in this proceedings: "Code of Ethics for Interdisciplinary Care" (Thomasma); "Training Model for Increasing Team Excellence and Efficiency" (Clayton, Lund); "Organizational Structures of Health Care Teams" (Farrell, Schmitt, Heinemann); "Nutrition Support Practice" (Johnson); "Dividing up the Work on…

Board games called Games of Rapport are being developed at the University of Alberta. The first, "Angels and Devils," is designed for play by nursing home residents. Results of a study involving "Angels and Devils" show that board games are useful in communicating rehabilitative objectives and sources of conflict. (Author/BEF)

Examines the effects of time scarcity on the way disagreement is managed in synchronous computer conferencing; reports an experiment in which pairs of undergraduates used keyboard-based conferencing software to resolve disputes on two controversial discussion topics under conditions either of time scarcity, or time abundance; and discusses…

Studies the possibility of developing systematic dilemma counseling into an autonomous mode. Experimental comparisons explore the pervasive situation in which a client successfully concludes a treatment program, only to find some subsequent problem developing in postcounseling life. (Author)

This article discusses the development of mediation as an alternative to litigation in resolving special education disputes. It describes the successes and challenges associated with special education mediation cases in Missouri prior to the 1997 IDEA amendments, which require such intervention, with an examination of four specific cases.…

Describes qualitative and quantitative study of the impact of statewide grant program to implement conflict-management education programs in 50 high schools. Reports three approaches to conflict-management education: Curriculum infusion, peer mediation, and special events. Finds significant positive effects of conflict-management programs on…

Fort Hays State Univesity offers a hybrid basic communication course. Competent speakers need to master public speaking skills (including suitable interpersonal skills), demonstrate nonverbal behaviors which support the verbal message, and be able to listen with literal and critical comprehension. However, increasing numbers of schools teach only…

Describes implementation of the Fight Free Classroom intervention (designed to decrease fighting and aggressiveness by helping students take ownership of their behavior) in an urban elementary school that included students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Overall, aggressive acts among students with and without EBD decreased…

Describes a study of 180 full-time college employees that examined how various job groups in the community college used different kinds of conflict communication behaviors, and if those behaviors were related to institutional climate. Finds that years of experience and satisfaction with leadership were associated with job satisfaction and the use…