Conflict prevention and resolution in the school context: Tools for peaceful coexistence

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a participatory action research project which involved teachers, parents, and students from an elementary school in Ciudad Juárez. With the purpose of promoting reflection, collaborative participation among community members, and integration to improve school coexistence, an intervention plan was designed and implemented using teaching strategies to promote peaceful conflict resolution through communication and dialogue. The research lasted two years and was developed in four phases: phase one, in which the problem was detected; phase two, the action plan was designed; phase three, the plan was implemented, and phase four, a reflection was carried out on the solution to the problem and the previous phases. Through the various strategies implemented, students identified that conflicts are a daily occurrence in classrooms; it became clear that institutions need to strengthen dialogue and conflict resolution processes, and to provide students with tools to help them regulate their emotions and reach agreements with their peers.