Complete 2 pages APA formatted article: On Bullying. Summary of Learnings Kevin H. Hinton ORG 477 Week 6 Michael Lee Wilmington 6/28/14 Summary of Learnings The class, which focused on concepts about conflicts, had been very informative and illuminating. The most important lessons learned included the theoretical frameworks encompassing conflict: its nature, perspectives, conflict styles, cultural experience that revealed potential conflicts, as well as conflict-resolution strategies (interpersonal negotiation and third party intervention through mediation) (Hocker & Wilmot, 2014).

One of the strengths noted was the effectiveness of the instructional approach. The instructional method used, especially through essay writing on selected topic modules, was instrumental in applying the concepts on conflicts. in conjunction with readings from the reference book. It was enlightening to assume a reflective stance in determining how conflicts had been personally encountered and how the experience provided lessons in life. For instance, the cultural experience paper enabled me to realize that, despite encountering potential conflict in school through some form of bullying, the lessons on emotional intelligence affirmed that by assuming a more mature and optimistic stance in life, challenges could be perceived as opportunities to do better. In addition, the paper on conflict resolutions styles (through interpersonal negotiation and mediation) were beneficial in learning identifying alternative courses of action and the use of a mediator, to assist in solving problems in diverse situations and settings. The techniques learned, especially in focusing on mediation, could help when one encounters conflicts in the work setting or in academic endeavors. Through being made aware of the four phases of mediation, one would be more confident in applying these steps toward assisting conflicting parties to resolve their differences. Thus, the competencies gained through advanced knowledge in these conflict concepts would significantly assist in interpersonal negotiation or mediation.

Although the instructional approach and the learning objectives were met, as planned, the course could still be improved through provision of case studies to augment topics on conflict resolution. The students could be provided with mini-case studies on conflict and try to solve these problems using the theories learned from the reference book. Case studies would be good instructional materials which could be discussed in class and assigned according to groups. A class discussion could ensue after a case study presentation to discern whether the recommended conflict resolution strategy proposed by the group, or the individual, is the best course of action to solve the conflict. Concurrently, another suggested material could be locating through online sites, conflicts that were never resolved. Again, as a class, in groups, or in an individual basis, the proposed conflict resolution strategies could be proposed.

Overall, the lessons learned from the class is deemed to be highly beneficial since the concepts on conflicts and resolution strategies would be used in present and future endeavors. As learned, “communication is the medium for conflict management, whether face- to- face, written, or with technology” (Hocker & Wilmot, 2014, p. 2). As such, through effective communication, the resolution of any type or kind of conflict, in whatever situation or setting, could eventually be resolved.

Reference

Hocker, J., & Wilmot, W. (2014). Interpersonal Conflict. McGraw Hill.