"Conflict Management and Problem Solving: Strategies for Educators Working with Adults" is designed to equip adult educators with essential skills to manage conflicts and solve problems effectively in diverse learning environments. This course will focus on practical techniques that can be applied to real-life situations, helping educators foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for adult learners. Participants will explore common sources of conflict and learn how to approach them with confidence and creativity.

 

Educators will develop strategies to promote effective communication and understanding in multicultural environments, recognising the unique challenges and opportunities that come with diversity. In addition, participants will gain insights into structured problem-solving methods that can be used to address and resolve issues systematically. The course will cover techniques for identifying problems, analysing their root causes, and developing actionable solutions that can be implemented in different educational contexts. The course will also address conflict management in varied learning settings, particularly those involving immigrants and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

By the end of the course, educators will be proficient in managing conflicts and employing effective problem-solving strategies in their teaching. This course is ideal for teachers, trainers, and facilitators working in adult education, as well as those seeking to enhance their skills in managing diverse and complex learning environments.

1. Understand Key Concepts: Participants will be able to explain fundamental theories and concepts of conflict management and problem-solving as they apply to adult education settings.
2. Identify and Analyse Conflicts: Participants will develop the ability to identify common sources of conflict in diverse learning environments and analyse their impact on adult learners.
3. Apply Conflict Management Styles: Participants will be able to apply various conflict management styles and techniques to effectively address and resolve conflicts in educational settings.
4. Utilise Problem-Solving Methods: Participants will learn and use structured problem-solving methods to identify issues, analyse root causes, and develop actionable solutions.
5. Enhance Communication Skills: Participants will improve their communication skills, including active listening and providing constructive feedback, to foster a positive learning environment.
6. Manage Conflicts in Diverse Settings: Participants will be equipped to handle conflicts in multicultural and diverse settings, including those involving immigrants and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
7. Promote Inclusivity: Participants will develop strategies to create inclusive and respectful learning environments that accommodate diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
8. Create and Implement Action Plans: Participants will be able to develop and implement personalised action plans for applying conflict management and problem-solving techniques in their own educational contexts.

Day 1: Welcome, Course Introduction and Introduction to Conflict Management and Problem Solving

 

Introduction of facilitators and participants

Overview of course goals, structure, and expectations

Ice-breaking activities

Overview of Conflict Management and Problem Solving: Basic theories and definitions of conflict management and problem-solving

Identifying Common Conflicts in Adult Education: Types of conflicts: interpersonal, group, and systemic issues

Examples of common conflicts in various educational settings

 

Day 2: Impact of Conflict on Learning and Teaching & Conflict Management Techniques

 

Overview of Conflict Management Styles: Competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating styles

Techniques for Effective Conflict Resolution: mediation, negotiation, and arbitration

Conflict Resolution Models and Frameworks: Introduction to models like the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) and the Interest-Based Relational (IBR) Approach

Case Studies and Role Play Exercises: Analysis of real-world conflict scenarios

Role-playing exercises to practice conflict resolution techniques: Group discussions on role play experiences

Analysis of different conflict resolution approaches used in the exercises 

 

Day 3: Problem Solving Strategies

 

Structured Problem Solving Methods: Step-by-step methods such as the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle and Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Techniques for Root Cause Analysis: Tools like the Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) and 5 Whys

Practical exercises to identify and address root causes of issues

Creative Problem Solving Approaches: Techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and lateral thinking

How to foster creativity and innovation in problem-solving

Workshop: Applying Problem Solving to Real-Life Scenarios: Group work on identifying and solving problems relevant to adult education

Peer Feedback on Problem Solving Exercises: Exchange of feedback on problem-solving approaches

 

Day 4: Conflict Management in Diverse Settings

 

Managing Conflicts in Multicultural and Diverse Environments: Techniques for effective conflict management in diverse groups

Challenges and opportunities in multicultural settings

Strategies for Inclusive Communication and Understanding: Best practices for communicating inclusively

Strategies for building mutual respect and understanding

Addressing Conflicts Involving Immigrants and Disadvantaged Individuals: Specific issues faced by immigrants and disadvantaged individuals

Case Study Analysis: Real-World Conflicts in Diverse Settings: Examination of case studies involving diverse groups

Group discussion on effective conflict management strategies

Developing Personalised Strategies for Diverse Settings: Creating action plans to address specific challenges in participants’ own settings

 

Day 5: Advanced Techniques and Application: Advanced Models for Conflict Resolution

 

Exploration of advanced models such as the Conflict Resolution Spiral and the Integrated Conflict Management Systems (ICMS)

Mediating Complex Disputes: Techniques and Strategies: Techniques for mediating high-stakes or multi-party disputes

Practical exercises in mediation and negotiation

Integrating Problem Solving with Conflict Management Approaches: Combining problem-solving methods with conflict management techniques

Interactive Workshop: Simulations of complex scenarios involving multifaceted conflicts

Practice of advanced conflict management and problem-solving techniques

Group work on creating comprehensive solutions for complex scenarios: Presentation and critique of solutions

 

Day 6: Review and Certification

 

Review of Key Concepts and Techniques: Recap of main topics and skills covered throughout the course

Q&A session to clarify any remaining questions

Final Presentations of Action Plans: Participants present their action plans and implementation strategies

Peer feedback and facilitator input on action plans

Certificate of Attendance Presentation

Completion and validation of necessary Erasmus+ documentation

Course Feedback and Reflective Discussion: Reflective discussion on learning outcomes and personal growth