Mediator Training

The mediator training program consists of 34 hours of structured, in-depth learning during which trainees develop the skills and techniques needed to mediate successfully. Emphasis is placed on the following areas: mediator neutrality; the stages of the mediation process; listening, fact finding and observing behavior; creating a positive climate for settlement; phrasing remarks; transmitting information; exploring options; planning strategy; settlement techniques and writing agreements.

Methodologies include assigned readings, in-class lectures, simulated mediation sessions and role-playing.

Role-plays are conducted in groups of 4 or 5 with trainees playing the role of mediator or disputant. Each small group has a trainer/coach to assist the trainees in practicing their skills. Role-plays are accompanied by formal presentations about the stages of the mediation process such as gathering information, defining the issues, processing information, problem solving and reaching agreement. Trainees practice the skills for each stage through group and individual exercises.

Trainings are held at the FCMS office, 116 Concord Street, in downtown Framingham. Off-site trainings can also be arranged and customized to meet an organization’s requirements.

Mediation conducted by students, and openly supported by school administrators, pupil personnel staff, and faculty is an effective means of managing the day to day student/student conflicts inherent in our schools.

Inevitably, conflicts arise out of mistrust, misunderstanding, disappointments, un-met expectations, and minor infractions of school policy in school/social relationships. Student Peer Mediation is particularly useful as an intervention tool for resolving these kind of conflicts among students. All too often, minor conflicts escalate to the level of arguments, shouting, shoving, long-term hostility or, out of fear, the reverse behavior of avoidance. Mediation can prevent the escalation of conflicts that often end with traditional student sanctions, suspension, or even expulsion.

Student peer mediation training uncovers and sharpens skills that are innate. With a focus on organizing already held skills of listening, trust, empathy, neutrality and patience, students learn techniques for practicing and applying these skills in a 20 hour training to prepare them for their roles as peer mediators. Methodologies include: training-manual readings; topic presentations; learning exercises; games; and, small group role-play.

During the 20-hour training students practice active listening, trust-building, neutrality, reducing defensive behavior, and building the will to settle as a means of creating a positive climate for settling the dispute. The topic presentations and learning exercises emphasize a specific stage/phase of the mediation process and the appropriate mediator response to facilitate gathering information; defining issues; processing information; problem solving; and, writing the agreement. Students learn to resolve conflicts through the development of critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

Peer mediation is designed to optimize the development potential inherent in the nature of conflict for shaping positive, empowering attitudes in the education of our children.

We offer customized conflict resolution seminars and workshops for organizations, industry and businesses. Workshops frequently explore the nature of conflict, the conflict management styles of staff, interest based negotiation and problem-solving skills. They can be used to train in-house staff who manage conflicts or to improve management teamwork.

Help new staff members build trust and improve group cohesion by training them in conflict resolution skills of active listening and problem solving. These skills can be utilized to assist in developing rules and establishing clear lines of communication. Or, these workshops can help resolve personnel problems that are sapping you organization's energy. In the past, these workshops had been used by organizations to address conflicts about job responsibilities, living within budget limitations, staff inaccessibility and performance expectations