Journaling as a Tool for Conflict Resolution in the Classroom (Research Paper Sample)

Journaling as a Tool for Conflict Resolution in the Classroom Name Instructor Course code and number Due date We should not dismiss journaling as an empowering tool for dealing with conflict in class. It provides students with an opportunity for expression, and the modality ensures that they do not have to share anything they are uncomfortable with. By giving students an outlet and voice, journaling helps them learn how to handle different disagreements and confusion, as well as get to know themselves and others better. This, in turn, arms them with the necessary conflict-solving skills and tactics. The use of journals creates a need for reflection within students to get into the habit of asking questions, particularly philosophical ones, about why we do something. It will also assist them in examining the cause of the anger or frustration they feel, as well as in solving conflicts logically (Bohm et al., 2022). For instance, retelling a fight with a friend erases perceived anger or conflict as arising from miscommunication or troubled personal issues, creating a more profound perception of them and boiled-down solutions. Journaling promotes empathy as students focus on their stories and feelings, making them less likely to be insensitive and damaging to others, thus creating better human individuals (Ruini et al., 2022). Teachers can do this by making students write something from another perspective, which would reduce their arguments. Moreover, journaling helps to develop speaking skills as well as academic writing, which can be useful when solving conflicts, as it contributes to the correct understanding of what affects the conflict and how it is possible to avoid or minimize its negative impact. Teachers can propose journal writing as a strategy to resolve class conflicts. They can allocate 15-30 minutes daily or weekly for journal writing, and provide students with a template to write about their reciprocal interactions and emotions (Creese & Kobox, 2020; P. Jarvis et al.). Familiar examples, such as 'Set up the situation when you were offended' or 'Tell about the conflict and how you solved it', let the students draw some conclusions and think about their reactions. Teachers use journaling in a variety of ways, such as organizing group writing before sharing a specific journal (Nückles et al., 2020). It can help in guiding students to articulate their thoughts in writing and speaking. Journaling also helps teachers identify potential issues related to students' emotions by reviewing students' voluntary journals during class sessions and addressing complaints before they escalate.  In conclusion, discussion in the classroom helps to reduce aggression because a journal can teach students how to manage their feelings, lack of communication skills, or anger in simple class activities for the entire class to attain developmental needs.  References Bohm, A. L. (2022). Reflective Journaling for Educators’ Social and Emotional W...