NCJ Number
99591
Date Published
1984
Length
64 pages
Annotation
Based on the experiences of trainers in the Children's Hearings Project of Cambridge, Mass., this manual for trainers of lay mediators of child-parent conflicts discusses the learning process and teaching techniques and provides an overview of training.
Abstract
The discussion of the learning process reviews principles of learning theory and explains three learning modes: didactic, demonstration, and experiential. The rationale for using each of these modes in mediation training is presented. The overview of training addresses trainee characteristics, the setting and specifics of training, and the trainer's role. A sample 32-hour training agenda is provided with comments on each session. The chapter on the demonstration training mode explains the rationale for and the use of a simulated mediation hearing as well as the group discussion following the simulation. The chapter on the experiential learning mode focuses on role playing, including the development of scripts, the trainer's tasks, and assessment after role playing. The chapter on the didactic training mode explains how it complements the demonstration and experiential teaching modes. Topics introduced through lectures and readings are discussed, as are special issues confronted by mediators of parent-child conflicts. The appendixes contain a packet contents list, a small group exercise, sample role plays, and a training evaluation questionnaire.