Monday, February 3, 2014
Communication Conflict
This week my grade level has been experiencing issues with our school’s literacy leader. It has been decided that each student will be assigned to a specific skills group depending on the Star Literacy Test. The students are ability grouped and for the first 30 minutes of each day they go to a specific class to work with other students who are on the same level. The disagreements or conflicts with this concept are that some teachers do not feel that this grouping should be only based on the one test. The teachers feel that they know each student individually and should have some input where they should be placed because some students do not test well and have been placed in a lower group. The request of the literacy leader is that students will be placed based on their test score. I feel that it is necessary to be respectful of the literacy leader’s view as well as the views of my grade level colleagues. While observing this situation I can see both sides of the conflict. I have suggested that we give this approach a try and see how it works out. We will meet back in a few weeks and discuss our thoughts. We need to keep in mind that we are here working for the good of all of the children and we need to always do what is in their best interest. Using strategies from the nonviolent communication principles and the 3 R’s will help us to be able to solve any issues with this matter. It is vital to make sure that any of our requests do not come across as demands.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI commend you for making the effort to understand things from the perspectives of all parties involved; the teachers and the Literacy Leader. Often times we become so focused on our perspective and having our needs met that we are unable to see things as others see it which often leads to conflict. As the principles of the 3 Rs state we need to focus not only on our own feelings and needs but that of others which is somewhat similar to what the Platinum Rule states. I fully agree with you that despite differences in opinions, we should be able to state our needs as requests and not as demands. I do hope that in the coming weeks everyone concerned will be able to reach a common understanding. Have you considered sharing what you have learned about nonviolent communication with your colleagues?
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you stated that it is important to make sure that the suggestions come across as requests and not as demands. That is a great way to ensure that everyone is communicating in a nonviolent manner. It encourages everyone to formulate their reasoning for their particular stance on the issue, instead of responding based on their emotions. I also like how you suggested using a compromise on the issue, but following the suggestions of the literacy leader for a few weeks to determine the effectiveness of this approach and revisiting it later to see if any changes need to be made.
Thanks for sharing about this conflict and your suggestions for resolving it!
Tiffany
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you being able to clearly see the different points of view. It is often difficult to remain objective to an issue if we already have opinions. What a great solution. Using a trial period and meeting in a few weeks to review the results. I agree that when trying to communicate specific needs we must make sure we do this in the form of requests. I think demanding brings negative feelings and does not create a motivation for developing creative resolutions.
Thanks! Christina