Defusing conflict

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, who have more activity ideas and teaching resources on their website.

Image © fstop123/iStock.

Go to:

• All humanitarianism teaching resources
• All continuing professional development (CPD) resources for teachers
• All teaching resource topics