Resource Articles // Many students don’t understand how to get along with their peers in a manner of mutual respect and cooperation. When students don’t get along, it diminishes the potential for success in the classroom. Not only are the students involved often unable to concentrate on their work, but teachers must spend valuable classroom time dealing with those in conflict. Teachers, including those with a master of arts in teaching or master of education degree, need to create a peaceful, caring community within their classroom. This is not always a simple task. First, it is important to understand that during any conflict, two major concerns come into play—achieving our goals, and maintaining an appropriate relationship with the other person. There are many different scenarios for classroom conflicts, and not all can be resolved in the same manner; however, there are five key conflict resolution strategies that should be understood. Often a topic among teachers in online master’s degree programs, these strategies, when implemented appropriately, can help create a classroom that is more conducive to learning. They also help teach students valuable lessons for conflict resolution that can last a lifetime.
Each of the five strategies is appropriate under a particular set of circumstances. To be truly effective in managing conflicts, teachers must engage competently in each strategy. This takes practice. If you are seeking a master’s degree, such as a master of arts in teaching or master of education, consider Walden University. Walden’s online master’s degree programs for teachers can prepare you the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in any classroom. Canter® is a Walden University educational partner and the strategies outlined in this article are part of the Canter course, Teaching Students to Get Along®. Canter® Course: Teaching Students to Get Along®, Resources Section 2. Johnson, D.W., and Johnson, R. (2005). Teaching Students To Be Peacemakers (4th Edition). Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company. Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure. Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits. Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or [email protected] to determine whether Walden’s programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. Note to all Pennsylvania residents: Walden University’s teacher preparation program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching as leading to licensure. Because this program is not reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, candidates are instructed to apply for Pennsylvania certification as out-of-state graduates of a teacher preparation program.
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