Defusing conflict
A guide for teachers on how to defuse tension and reduce conflict in difficult situations, with an activity idea for learners.
Age:
11-16
Subjects:
Citizenship
Topics:
Conflict
Type:
Teacher briefing, activities
When tension is in the air and a disagreement seems to be building into something more threatening, what can you do? Working that out is not easy. Success is not guaranteed. But if you get it right, the rewards are great.
This briefing provides advice on how to defuse conflict by imagining different scenes, giving considerations to the risks and possible outcomes. A learner activity considers the kinds of things to say to improve the situation.
Learning objectives
Teachers will:
- understand how best to help reduce tension and conflict, while also keeping themselves safe and thinking about which outcome is realistic
Learners will:
- be aware of the language used when trying to avoid a confrontation
Resource overview
1. Teacher briefing
- assessing whether you are able to help
- thinking about which outcomes are possible and realistic
- being aware of the risks
- what you can do or say to resolve the situation
- what could make the situation worse
2. Classroom activity
- Learners look at different conflict situations and imagine what would be the most unhelpful opening line, and then think of what would be the most helpful.
Credits
This briefing is based on research and development work by Dfuse.
Image © fstop123/iStock.
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