Manage group conflict constructively by having members observe one another and treat differences as strength¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide advises facilitators to treat conflict in collaborative learning groups as potentially constructive rather than something to eliminate. "We suggest that facilitators manage group conflict by asking members to become careful observers and listeners of one another," asking how they come across to others. Facilitators should not deny learners' feelings, should let members help mediate and resolve conflicts, and should redirect conflict through their own responses, since conflict is presented as normal and necessary for group progress.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Facilitator composure, group ground rules revisited regularly, and shared development of conflict-resolution lists

Constraints¶

• The transfer of authority from facilitator to learners is often hard for both facilitators and learners to accept

Target Learners¶

• Adult learners and facilitators in collaborative learning groups

Target Learning Goals¶

• Sustaining productive group interaction, mutual respect, and continued group learning through conflict

Related Strategies¶

• Explicit Discussions of Perspectives
• Leveraging Strengths to Improve Relationship Skills
• Co-Creating Classroom Norms

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on Literacy. (1994). Collaborative Learning: An Alternative Approach to Adult Literacy Instruction. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED376329