Institut für konstruktive Konfliktaustragung und Mediation e.V. ::: An der Alster 40 ::: 20099 Hamburg ::: Germany :::
Tel.: +49 / 40 / 28 00 68 52 ::: Fax: +49 / 40 / 28 40 95 10 :::

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Basic training for mediation and constructive conflict management

 

What is mediation?
In essence, mediation denotes a kind of brokerage carried out by an impartial person whose aim is to get the disputants to talk to each other. Mediation equally aims at creating a new basis for a future getting together of the conflicting parties. This is particularly important for those parties who must ,of neccessity, remain linked to each other in future, e.g. in cases of conflict between colleagues, between partners having children in common, between inhabitants of the same house or neighbourhood or of conflicts at school. In order to mediate in conflictual situations a competence is needed in resolving one's own conflicts by using the corresponding techniques. Additionally, a mediator requires the ability to motivate diputants towards this type of conflict resolution. The aim of engaging in this basic training is to acquire these skills and also to qualify for conflict resolution within one's own work environment.

The training at the ikm
Since 1999 the ikm has carried out the basic training in mediation and constructive settlement of conflict, as approved by the German national organisation of mediation (Bundesverband Mediation e.V.). The training course encompasses 200 hours and is led by experienced tutors all of whom have been approved by the national organisation of mediation. In January 2005 we were honoured with the Kurt-Meissner-Preis of the Volkshochschule (elementary high school) for our "valuable and socially committed educational contribution".

The aim of the training
The training aims at imparting basic skills in the constructive handling of personal conflicts, as well as conflicts in everyday work situations. This also includes conflict mediation and guidance by an experienced mediator. Through our training we particularly want to further and transmit the following techniques and abilities:
- Personal skills for conflict management
- Methods of mediation
- Techniques in mediation
- Management of conflict and mediation in one's own vicinity (school, neighbourhood, work, family)

Content of the training course
Theoretical aspects
- Conflict mechanisms & escalation
- Ways of working out conflicts
- Skills for successful management of conflict, especially through verbal communication
- Ways of dealing with conflicts which are gender specific and intercultural.

Approaches to, and training through furthering civic courage towards concrete constructive behaviour in situations of threat and of conflict

The methods of mediation and the training in basic skills and techniques of mediators

Implimentation of a constructive culture for dealing with conflict and the practice of mediation in one's own work environment and organisation

Special features of the course:
- small groups of students (maximum of 16)
- two approved coaches
- Guest lecturers for specific topics
- Connection between mediation and civil courage
- Pedagogical qualification of the participants