During conflict resolution between students, what should a teacher's main objective be?

In conflict resolution among students, the primary objective of a teacher should be to encourage mutual agreement on a settlement. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where students actively engage in the resolution process, promoting skills such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking. By guiding students towards a solution that they both agree upon, the teacher helps to empower them to take responsibility for their actions and understand the perspectives of their peers. This not only addresses the immediate conflict but also builds important conflict resolution skills that will be valuable in their future interactions.

Focusing solely on identifying the instigator or making a final judgment may lead to one-sided outcomes or resentment, as it does not involve both parties in the process of finding resolution. While having a sympathetic third party can be beneficial, it is critical that students learn to navigate their conflicts directly and amicably, enhancing their ability to work through disagreements constructively. Encouraging mutual agreement thus ensures that students not only resolve the current conflict but also learn to handle future conflicts independently.