Combining SCm and Mediation Training gives best results for youngsters
| Grown ups can regard SCm and therapeutic mediation
as different labels on the same approach. The student meet these, however
in different situations.
SCm is originally a tool to tackle reported cases of group bullying. Discussing the methods of dealing with bullying in a class of teenagers they like the SCm because this is based on mediation. A powerful educational device emanating from the SCm is
peer mediation training provided to all in the class (ACBM). The reasons
why it is important that all in the class get the opportunity to become
trained as peer mediator are given as a link to this home page together
with extensive directions how this should be carried out.
I have given university courses for native language teachers based on experiences I have made myself when having training for the whole class and special developmental groups. Normally the ACBM program is recommended as a 4-8 period program for teenage classes as a part of their regular curriculum for native language hours. The learning process for the teachers to use ACBM is facilitated when they are trained in tackling bullying with Shared Concern method. There the teacher-therapist gets an effective practice of the know-how of a mediator. A lot of useful routines are acquired. For example to avoid the usual reaction: demonizing "the other side" as the opponent in a conflict and train the therapeutic listening of those students involved. Also at my a five week full-time course at Department of Education at Uppsala University for mediators in personal administrators I have started to combine SCm in tackling bullying with mediator training. Peace education that aims at creating peace with the antagonist gets a valuable experience in dealing the noxious group dynamics of bullying which could be transferred to the devastating group dynamics in war.
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