I ve Got a Problem Conflict in the Workplace

Framework for Career Education and Consumer, Family, and Life Skills Classroom Activity by New Jersey Educator Title: I’ve Got a Problem – Conflict in the Workplace Author Information: Name: Valerie A. McDonough School: Vineland High Schools South District: Vineland Public Schools County: Cumberland Content Area: Career Education and Consumer, Family, and Life Skills Grade Level: 9-12 Student Learning Objectives: Students will be able to: 1. Explain the concept of conflict resolution. 2. Define mediation and explain how it works. 3. Explain the need for remedial action. 4. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of mediation. 5. Describe the legal restrictions on conflict resolution. 6. Demonstrate the process and guidelines to follow when mediation is necessary. NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards Content Area Standard Grade Strand Visual and 1.2 12 C Performing Arts Comprehensive 2.1 12 F Health and Physical Education Comprehensive 2.2 12 A Health and B Physical D Education E Comprehensive 2.4 12 A Health and Physical Education Language Arts 3.1 12 F Literacy G H Language Arts Literacy 3.2 12 A B C D Language Arts Literacy 3.3 12 A B D A B A B CPI 4 4 3 1,4 1 1-5 2-3 Language Arts Literacy Science 3.4 5.1 12 12 1-3 1,9 10 1, 3-5 1-5 4, 7-9 1-7 1, 4-5 1-4 1-2 6-7 1-5 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-2 Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Technology 6.1 6.4 6.5 8.1 12 12 12 12 A L B A B B Career Education and Consumer, Family and Life Skills Career Education and Consumer, Family and Life Skills 9.1 12 2-3 4,7 7 1 2-3 11 1-5 9.2 12 A C D F 1-2 3-5 1-2 2-5 1 Purpose and Overview: The purpose of this project is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their communications skills; analytical skills; critical thinking/problem solving skills; and interpersonal skills, as they relate to a personal and/or an occupational setting. Students will develop an understanding of what causes conflict and how interpersonal skills and following the proper guidelines can help with conflict resolution. They will learn the process of using mediation to resolve conflicts in both personal and business settings. Student Learning Activity: 1. Students will use the Internet to research the definition of conflict resolution and the skills necessary to successfully resolve these issues. Suggested web site for the students to begin their research is: www.newconversations.net. When students have completed their research, they will have the opportunity to share their findings with the class. 2. Students should receive a copy of the Seven Challenges Cooperative Communication Skills Workbook or access the workbook online at www.newconversations.net. Ask students to complete each of the seven challenges using the timeline established by the teacher. 3. Divide the class into cooperative groups and assign each group one of the following employment law categories to research – general employment, discrimination, termination, workplace safety, workplace privacy, and workplace benefits. Suggested web sites for students to begin their research include the following: http://www.hresquire.com/employment-law-articles.htm, http://www.osha.gov/, http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/discrimination/agedisc.htm, and http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/index.htm. 4. Each group presents their findings to the class. All members of the group should participate in the presentation and must be knowledgeable about the information researched. The presentation should be communicated in a clear, concise manner and should be approximately 5 -10 minutes in length. 5. Students should be directed to the following web site: www.behaviorconsultants.com/Newsletters/conflict_in_the_workplace.htm Teacher may choose to print out the article and give copies to students to read. Discuss what causes conflict, based upon their reading. 6. Divide the class into six groups and have each group write a five- minute skit that demonstrates what the assigned article refers to as “one of the six common causes of conflict in the workplace.” The skit should demonstrate understanding of the cause; follow the proper guidelines; and reflect the legal restrictions that apply to their scenario. Each group should present their skit to the class. Skits should be approximately 10 minutes in length. When all six groups have completed performing their skits, have the class analyze how well each conflict situation was resolved. Assessment Strategy: Rubric for Skit Presentation: The following numbered items are worth a total of 100 points. 20 - 17 16 - 13 12 - 9 8– 5 4- 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Below Expectations Little Value No Value Points Received _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______ Skit reflects an understanding of conflict resolution. Skit follows the guidelines for remedial action. Skit demonstrates an understanding of the cause of conflict. Skit demonstrates a comprehension of legal restrictions. Skit addresses the problem and resolves the conflict. Total Points: