Mediation - training for mediators

Alternative conflict resolution - training for mediators - 100 hours

Objective:
To train participants to use mediation as one of the approaches to conflict resolution, let them exercise skills needed for effective conflict resolution, to give participants elementary information on Slovak legal system and give them enough knowledge to perform legally approved mediation.

Profile of course graduates:
The graduates will be familiar with elementary theories of conflicts and approaches to their solution. They will know the process of mediation and be able to analyze a conflict and to help solve it as a mediator. They will know how to use mediation in different contexts and environments. Their communication skills needed in mediation will be improved. They will an overall understanding of legal and ethical aspects of mediation service.

Total scope:
For non-legal professions: 100 hours (3 sessions of 3, 3, and 4 days respectively).

Curriculum

SESSION 1: Conflict and mediation (30 hours)

  • Definition of conflict and its analysis
  • Communication skills in conflict resolution
  • Process of mediation
  • Legal issues

SESSION 2: Mediation in different contexts (30 hours)

  • Characteristics of conflicts in relevant contexts
  • Use of mediation in specific areas
  • Simulation of mediation situations
  • Legal issues

SESSION 3: Specific issues in mediation (40 hours)

  • Simulation of mediation situations with supervision
  • Specific issues related to mediation
  • Legal issues

SESSION 1: CONFLICT AND MEDIATION (30 HOURS)

Profile or session participants:
Participants of this training session will be familiar with elementary theories of conflict and approaches to their solution. They are able to analyze conflict and choose particular way of intervention, depending on how the conflict had been formed. They will have knowledge of the mediation process and be able to apply it in conflict. Graduates will have specific knowledge on related legislation and learn how to apply such knowledge in the mediation proces and in related steps.

Curriculum:
1. Definition of conflict and its analysis

Theory (1+0):

  • Changes in definition of conflict in recent decades
  • Violence - direct, structural and cultural (concept by of J. Galtung)
  • Cooperationand competition

Practice (exercises, interactive methods – 0+2):

  • Perception of conflict by its participants
  • Effect of personal history on the approach to conflict
  • Effect of one's culture on the approach to conflict

Theoretical background for conflict analysis (1+0)
Conflict analysis skills (0+2):

2. Communication skills in conflict resolution

Theoretical background connected with practical exercises of skills in small groups(1+5)

3. Mediation and its phases (according to C. Moore)

Theoretical background connected with practical exercises of conducting individual phases of conflict resolution (3+8)
Analysis of suitability to apply mediation in a given conflict (1+1 hod.)

4. Basic human rights and their significance and position in the legal system; selected aspects of Civic Code

SESSION 2: MEDIATION IN VARIOUS CONTEXTS (30 HOURS)

Profile of session participants:
Participants will be familiar with characteristics of conflicts in various contexts. They will be able to analyze conflict and choose intervention depending on how the conflict was formed. They will be able to adapt the mediation process to the situation at hand. Participants will be equipped with certain knowledge of relevant legislation and learn how to apply it in the mediation process or in related steps.

Curriculum:
1. Characteristics of conflicts in relevant contexts
(with special emphasis to characteristics depending on session participants)

Theory and discussion (2+2)

2. Use of mediation in specific areas

Theory connected with discussion and practical demonstration (2+4)
(context to be selected according to specific session participants)

3. Simulation of mediation situations

Simulations and connected feedback (2+8)

4. Selected questions on Civic Code, Commercial Code, Economic Competition Act and their analysis (5+5)

SESSION 3: SPECIFIC ISSUES IN MEDIATION (40 HOURS)

Profile of session participants:
Session participants will be able to handle difficult situations that might occur in the mediation process. They are able to adapt the process to a given situation. They will be aware of ethical aspects of mediation work and will have practical experience in conducting a simulated mediation meeting. Participants will gain basic knowledge of relevant legislation and be able to apply it in the mediation process and related steps.

Curriculum:
1. Simulation of mediation situations with supervision

Simulation connected to feedback(2+12)

2. Specific issues related to mediation

Ethical aspects of mediation (1+1)

3. Selected question related to Commercial Code, Penal Code, Misdemeanor Code, Administration Code and role of mediation from legal point of view (10+10 hours)