Description: What is Peer Mediation?
Cremin (2007) and Churchill (2013) Describe Peer Mediation as:
- The National Association for Mediation in Education was founded in 1984, and jump started the use of peer mediating programs in schools across the United States and the world.
- Peer mediating is a program in which students in a conflict voluntarily work with a student mediator.
- In the beginning, all students are taught conflict resolution skills and formally introduced to the peer mediation program.
- Peer mediators are usually self-nominated, nominated by teachers or nominated by other students for further training.
- Peer mediators are trained in counseling skills by staff members that are a part of the peer mediation program, such as teachers, lunch supervisors, teacher assistants, etc.
- Peer mediators usually offer peer mediation services to students of their own age or younger students.
- This process will often take place during a free-time, such as lunch or recess, in a specific quiet area or in a place where confrontations often occur, such as a play ground or hallway.
- Peer mediator groups may often have a name, such as "peace makers", and wear a sign of identification, such as a badge, hat, or sash.