Stereotypes Conflict Resolution Involves a Term Paper

The counselor makes clear several guidelines that guide behavior in boys' activities. For instance, first of all, the counselor should state that each member is equal, no matter of gang affiliation or other criteria. Therefore, each member is due to respect the other and is not allowed to call names or manifest other forms of bullying behavior. The tasks are accomplished by members regardless their gang affiliation. The boys should be taught that cooperation is a better way to interact during task accomplishment that competition. These rules may be written and placed in the classroom, in the recreation room. Rewards are established for those who respect at least one of the rules established by the counselor; for instance they are allowed to watch TV or do their favorite activity for an extra-time.

Ensure that different groups interact as equals. This is related to stereotyping reducing and cooperation in diverse groups. First of all, the counselor should raise awareness of their differences and emphasize that this is an advantage and not a basis for prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping, but for rich intercultural exchange. Activities may be developed in which the participants have a personal unique contribution, reinforcing the uniqueness and individuality of each person. An emphasis on kindness may be placed as well, since it is a facilitator to understanding equality and avoiding such negative behaviors as stereotyping and discrimination.The adolescents may be encouraged, from this point-of-view to create a public display board where they post pictures and statements of acts of kindness they perform, emphasizing service to others. (Thomason, 2006)

Ensure that contact with the participant is at an individual level and is rewarding. The counselor should be able to interact with the individuals and recognize his specific contribution. Rewards should be given both for individual activity and for groups.

Ensure cooperation and teamwork between different groups. Setting a common goal, enhancing motivation and establishing rewards for teams has the role of ensuring cooperation in different activities.

The counselor has in mind, when working on these principles, several major goals: raising awareness about tolerance, developing awareness about one's own abilities, individuality and qualities, fostering the right behavior, and, on the long run, developing healthy and ethical attitudes towards others and self.

References

Swisher, L.C. (1997). Conflict resolution/peer mediation: Everybody wins. Masters Abstracts International, 36-01, p. 0024, Eastern Michigan University. Retrieved from the Peer Facilitator Quaterly, Volume 16 No. 1 Fall 1998

Thomason R., (2006) Kindness: The Foundation of Service-Learning, Retrieved at http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?ar=734

Crawford, D., Bodine, R., (1996) Conflict Resolution Education a Guide to Implementing Programs in Schools, Youth-Serving Organizations, and Community and Juvenile Justice Settings. Retrieved at http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/160935.txt.....