With open
dialog and communication, a positive approach to problem solving, and the
proper focus, a formal conflict resolution process should rarely be
necessary at L2L Club.
When conflicts between parents/students and facilitators
do arise, however, the following protocol is followed to efficiently and
professionally reach a solution to the problem.
Conflict Resolution Mindset
- Embrace the
fact that L2L was conceived, born, and continues to develop out of passion,
vision, and dedication for the education, personal growth, and well-being of
our youth.
- Acknowledge
that L2L is a pioneering model of education in Pakistan (although much more
popular in several countries) with some concepts that possibly challenge our
ideas about learning, or about what school should look like. While each family
here has been attracted to the model, we may find ourselves uncomfortable with
some aspects of it. This is normal, and the facilitators encourage open
dialogue about the model and philosophy to increase each family’s comfort
level.
- Recognize
that while it is the desire of L2L facilitators to serve the students and
families of L2L Club, they must be permitted to do so within their philosophy
of education and their vision of how learning takes place. This means that they
cannot, and must not, always agree with and take action based on any and every
suggestion, request, or complaint issued.
- Be careful
to gather all the facts involved in a situation, and weigh all perspectives of
the parties involved prior to deciding to initiate the Conflict Resolution
process.
- Refrain from
initiating rumors, generating discontent, or sparking emotions among other
students or parents when concerns arise.
- Be willing
to listen and understand as much as be listened to and understood.
- Agree that
for the well-being of the L2L Club and its learners, who benefit from a unique
and exciting educational approach as well as passionate and dedicated
facilitators, every possible effort to resolve differences of opinion must be
pursued and conducted within L2L.
Conflict Resolution Process for Students
1. Examine
the conflict at hand by filling out the Conflict Resolution Preparation Form.
2. Think
about your answers, and determine whether you would like to start the Conflict
Resolution Process. In completing the form, you may have brainstormed an
acceptable solution to the problem that does not involve a formal procedure.
3. The next
step, although often the hardest, is to approach the person/people with whom
you have a conflict.
a. If
the conflict is between you and another student… Set a time to discuss the problem, and ask
that he/she fill out the Conflict Resolution Preparation Form before you meet.
Attempt to resolve the issue between the two of you.
b. If
the issue impacts your facilitator… Bring
up the issue during counseling session. If you would like help with this, set a
time to discuss the problem with your facilitator. Your facilitator will help
you determine how best to approach the group.
c. If
the issue impacts many or all students at L2L… Bring up the issue during Meeting with the Director. If you would like help with this, set a time to discuss the problem
with your facilitator. Your facilitator will help you determine how best to
approach the group.
d. If
the conflict is between you and your facilitator… Set a time to discuss the problem. Ask that
he/she fill out the Conflict Resolution Preparation Form before you meet. If
necessary, consult another facilitator about how to best approach your
facilitator about the problem.
e. If
the conflict is between you and a facilitator other than your own… Set a time to discuss the problem, and ask
that he/she fill out the Conflict Resolution Preparation form prior to meeting.
If necessary, consult your own facilitator about how best to approach the
facilitator about the problem.
f. If
the conflict involves you and a parent… Consult
your advisor regarding the conflict, and set a meeting to discuss the problem
with the parent. Ask that he/she fill out the Conflict Resolution Preparation
Form before you meet.
g. If
the issue impacts students, facilitators, and parents… Bring up the issue at the next L2L Governance
Board (LGB) meeting. If necessary, consult your facilitator about how to best
present the issue to the group.
4. Meet with
the other party. Share your issue, and listen to the other party’s side.
Discuss possible resolutions.
5. If a
resolution is not possible, schedule a meeting with the other party and an
advisor. Both parties should reexamine their Conflict Resolution Preparation
Form answers prior to the meeting. Meet and work toward a resolution.
6. If a
resolution is yet unattained, schedule “Meeting #1 with Facilitators,” as
listed under “Conflict Resolution Process for Parents.” Follow guidelines until
resolution has been reached.
Conflict Resolution Process for Parents
1.
Read “Conflict Resolution Mindset” and fill out Conflict Resolution Preparation
Form.
2.
Schedule face-to-face meeting with the facilitator.
3.
If issue is yet unresolved, establish realistic time-line for future meetings.
a. Meeting #1 with facilitators … Become
informed; share facts and information.
(Additional
meetings may be scheduled to continue discussion.)
b. Meeting #2 with Advisors… Decision/Resolution
c. Mediation… Mediation from Director L2L
Conflict
Resolution Preparation Form
This form
should be completed by party who is raising the issue before initial meeting.
If no resolution is attained after initial meeting, both/all parties should
complete the form again before the next meetings. Answer as completely as
possible, using the other side of the form if necessary.
1.
Describe the
issue in detail from your point of view.
2.
Who is affected by this problem?
3.
How does this issue make you feel (angry, sad,
hurt, rejected, powerless, concerned, uncertain, confused, etc.)?
4.
When you feel this way, how do you react?
5.
Please state
a positive incentive for this meeting. What is your big picture desire—how do
you think the resolution of this issue will impact the L2L community (e.g., a
safer learning environment, a better working relationship, etc.)?
6.
What could
you do to help positively change this issue/situation?
7.
List at
least three possible solutions to this issue.
8.
What do you
think the other party’s point of view is?
9.
What
feelings can you imagine on the other side of this issue?
10.
What do you
imagine the response will be to this issue at the meeting?
Additional Comments:
Schedule for Resolution Process
Fill out this section if and when the Conflict Resolution Process
will go beyond Meeting with Facilitator.
__/__/__
Meeting #1
__/__/__ Meeting #2
__/__/__
Date of Further Action (explain) ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________