Peer Mediation - Step by Step

What happens during a Peer Mediation?

The basic steps of a mediation are:

1. Intake - gathering of information prior to the mediation.
2. Introduction - Names are exchanged.
3. What to expect, ground rules and agreement - Overview of the mediation and rules.
4. Storytelling - Both sides tell what happened.
5. Issues - Mediators help parties identify the main issues behind the conflict.
6. Brainstorming solutions - The mediators help the disputants in creating solutions and choosing the best.
7. Agreement - A formal agreement is spoken or written.
8. Follow-up - Mediators follow up to ensure agreement is holding.

Read on for a much more in-depth discussion of each of these steps.

Aaron Sterling has helped develop peer mediation and conflict resolution programs in California and Virginia.
He currently teaches elementary students in northern Virginia.

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