What is a suitable approach for teaching assistants to handle conflicts between students?

Encouraging communication and mediation is a highly effective approach for teaching assistants to handle conflicts between students. This strategy fosters a supportive environment where students can express their feelings and perspectives regarding the situation. By facilitating open dialogue, teaching assistants help students develop essential conflict resolution skills, such as empathy, active listening, and effective communication. This not only aids in resolving the immediate conflict but also equips students with the tools to manage future disagreements more constructively.

Mediation empowers students to take ownership of their conflicts and provides an opportunity for them to understand the impact of their actions on others. It also helps build relationships and reinforces a sense of community and respect among peers. This proactive approach is supportive of students' social-emotional development and aligns with educational practices that prioritize collaborative learning and restorative justice.