GSDS organised its second e-workshop on “Strategies of Conflict Resolution in Classrooms” on June 16-17, 2020 with Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan, Director GSDS; Dr Shazia Mansoori, Assistant Professor, Aligarh Muslim University and Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu as the key speakers. 45 participants took part in the two-day e-workshop.
Giving his introductory remarks Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan spoke on the genesis of conflict which is in mind. He called for healthy competition amongst peer groups, teachers and students, students and students and called for understanding and empathetic approach. He reiterated the concept of panch parameshwara in settling conflicting situations in the community and said that conflict management isn’t a Western concept, rather it has its origin in the ancient Vedas. He further highlighted that conflict management according to the Gandhian principles is a win-win situation, where no one wins and no one loses. He reiterated that in conflict it is not just that we go on arguing, we also must patiently listen. Calling classrooms as real nursery, he called teachers as the real trainers of life.
Through her demonstrative lecture and online polls, Dr. Shazia made an engaging connect with the participants through her presentation on different dimensions of conflict management. Discussing various theories and their practical approach in mitigation of conflicting ideas Dr. Shazia also analysed various situations teachers face in classrooms ranging from attitudinal behaviours to strange ideas that cause conflicting situation. She also asked participants to explore their role as peace-makers.
Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu in his address on the first day spoke on the need for the promotion of pro-social behaviour and asserted the need for creating a cohesive classroom. He emphasised on the need for greater mutual cooperation and hoped teachers become non-judgemental.
The second day of the e-workshop saw the participants engage in different exercises. Dr. Shazia necessitated the importance of dialogue and mediation and highlighted that kindness need to be practiced along with the art of receiving vis-à-vis giving that needs to be cultivated.
Dr. Vedabhyas spoke of dialogue as an inclusive process where communication is based on mutual respect, encouraging listening and carefully solving problems. He stressed on the need for creating a safe space and spoke on the five key Gandhian pillars of conflict resolution. He also stressed on the importance of media literacy and said that media literacy is important for it teaches the ability to critically analyse media messages.
The e-workshop concluded by giving assignments to the participants followed by interactive question and answer session posed by several teachers and academics.