1. MEDIATION TECHNIQUE: THE AGREEMENT BRIDGE Karin Hillman & Sarah Keene

2. WHAT IS MEDIATION? A process during which two parties attempt to resolve a conflict with the assistance of a third party Fundamental human activity (ex: parents mediating between children’s disagreements) Over the past 2 decades, formal mediation has become more prevalent Research shows that mediation is effective in resolving many types of social and interpersonal conflict Benefits include: reducing tension, clarifying disputes, and humanizing the adversary Important qualities of an effective mediator include: establish rapport with both parties, gather information through questioning, listen empathetically to both points of view, suspend judgment, and foster norms of collaboration

3. TYPES OF MEDIATION: Divorce mediation Peer mediation in the schools Community mediation Judicial mediation Mediation of disputes within organizations Mediation for international conflicts Deutsch, M. (2000)

4. MEDIATION PROCESS: The general process for mediation is: Relationship - developing rapport and outlining structure for session (Hello) Story and Strengths – define the problem (Problem & Swap) Goals – draw out each person’s wants/desires for problem resolution (Foolish & Smart) Restory – begin negotiation for solutions (Change) Action – make a contract (Agreement Contract) Ivey, Ivey, and Zalaquett (2010), p. 252

5. THE AGREEMENT BRIDGE: THE BASICS A game that utilizes the mediation process to resolve conflict in schools: teacher vs student, student vs student Depending on the severity of the conflict, the game can typically be played in approx. 5-10 minutes, but can be altered for longer mediation The goal is to bring about a solution (agreement) between the disputing parties The game can be adapted to allow for peer mentoring

6. THE AGREEMENT BRIDGE: HOW TO PLAY Teacher vs. Student Conflict The goal of the game is for the two players to participate in a structured discussion that eventually arrives at a mutually satisfactory agreement resolving the problem Teacher and Student sit on opposite sides of the table with the game board and a ruler between them Each place his/her marker on the end of the ruler closest to him/her Game Squares: Hello, Problem, Swap, Smart Choices, Foolish Choices, Change Each take turns selecting a square (doesn’t matter what order) and discussing. When one person feels that he/she has become closer to the other, he/she moves his/her marker on the ruler closer to the other. When the markers meet, the game is over and the Agreement Contract is signed

7. THE AGREEMENT BRIDGE: HOW TO PLAY Student Vs. Student Conflict (A peer mentor can substitute a counselor if properly trained) The same rules apply as the teacher vs. student unless there is a peer mentor. The counselor would sit in the middle of the table and act as the referee If there is a peer mentor, the disputing students should sit on the same side of the table and the peer mentor should sit opposite of them Biffle, C. (2009)

8. REFERENCES: Deutsch, M. (2000). Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice. Jossey-Bass. Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2010). Intentional interviewing & counseling. (7 ed., p. 252). Belmont,CA: Brooks/Cole. Biffle, C. (2009). Power teaching's the agreement bridge. http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/Whole- Brain-Teching/Levels/Level-6-The-Agreement- Bridge.html