Hey! Where's the beef? or Can we all get along?
An Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Thematic Unit on conflict resolution. I. CONTENT: (Why is this unit important? What are the essential concepts in this unit?)
In and of itself, conflict is a necessary part of life. It is not intrinsically "good" or "bad"àit simply "is".
Many of the most important changes in human history have had their roots in the clash of ideas, the
conflict of view points. However, when coupled with a lack of respect for the basic rights of others and fueled by a self-serving singleness of purpose, conflict can become ugly, violent, and destructive.
For some the inability to cope with conflict has driven them to act out with violence, sometimes
towards themselves. Others deal with conflict in a variety of ways depending on the lessons they
have been taught. The news depicts tormented high school teens turning to violence toward parents, teachers and each other as a last resort. These events have caused alarm and mixed reactions in education. Some schools increase security, install metal detectors and have adopted zero tolerance
policies towards weapons. This method does not address the source of the problems. Students and teachers in the classrooms of today need to learn to recognize, managed and express conflict constructively. They need to be given the tools to assume responsibility for their own behavior, and
to be shown the value in shouldering said responsibility willingly. They also need to have their
own human dignity underscored by opportunities to resolve conflict in such a manner that provides validation for the rights of all involved parties, and ultimately results in a beneficial change of
atmosphere. Good character is not inborn- it must be taught, guided, and nurtured- and the
amicable resolution of inevitable conflict is the cornerstone of healthy human relationships.
In and of itself, conflict is a necessary part of life. It is not intrinsically "good" or "bad"àit simply "is".
Many of the most important changes in human history have had their roots in the clash of ideas, the
conflict of view points. However, when coupled with a lack of respect for the basic rights of others and fueled by a self-serving singleness of purpose, conflict can become ugly, violent, and destructive.
For some the inability to cope with conflict has driven them to act out with violence, sometimes
towards themselves. Others deal with conflict in a variety of ways depending on the lessons they
have been taught. The news depicts tormented high school teens turning to violence toward parents, teachers and each other as a last resort. These events have caused alarm and mixed reactions in education. Some schools increase security, install metal detectors and have adopted zero tolerance
policies towards weapons. This method does not address the source of the problems. Students and teachers in the classrooms of today need to learn to recognize, managed and express conflict constructively. They need to be given the tools to assume responsibility for their own behavior, and
to be shown the value in shouldering said responsibility willingly. They also need to have their
own human dignity underscored by opportunities to resolve conflict in such a manner that provides validation for the rights of all involved parties, and ultimately results in a beneficial change of
atmosphere. Good character is not inborn- it must be taught, guided, and nurtured- and the
amicable resolution of inevitable conflict is the cornerstone of healthy human relationships.