Resolving conflict through peer mediation

The purpose of this study is to develop and conduct a peer mediation program in the upper elementary grades at the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in order to reduce conflict among students and increase the students\u27 ability to resolve conflicts. An action research methodology was implemented to support a school environment conducive to learning with minimum instances of conflict. The site of the study is the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School in Haddonfield, NJ. The population of the study involves all upper elementary students at the school. The population of the study includes 25 staff members as well as the 180 students throughout the three grade levels. Surveys and interviews were utilized to collect data prior to the operational phase of the program. An additional set of surveys and interviews were utilized following the program\u27s operation. The results of the surveys collected after the program was operational were correlated with the surveys utilized prior to the program to determine the program\u27s effectiveness in reducing conflict in the school. The results of the survey demonstrate no significant decrease in the number of conflicts that occur. The coordinators of the peer mediation program have developed several solutions to further enhance the program in order to achieve success in limiting the number of conflicts that occur at the school