PEER MEDIATION PROCESS SUMMARY

STEP 1: AGREE TO MEDIATE

Make introductions and define mediation.
State the ground rules:
o Mediators remains neutral; they do not take sides.
o Mediation is private.
o Take turns talking and listening.
o Cooperate to solve the problem.
Get a commitment from each disputant to mediate and follow the ground rules.
STEP 2: GATHER POINTS OF VIEW
Ask each disputant (one at a time) to tell his or her point of view about the problem.
Listen to each disputant and summarize following each disputants statement.
Allow each disputant a chance to clarify by asking:
o Do you have anything to add?
o How did you feel when that happened?
Listen and summarize.
STEP 3: FOCUS ON INTERESTS
Determine the interests of each disputant. Ask:
o What do you want? Why do you want that?
Listen and summarize. To clarify, ask:
o What might happen if you dont reach an agreement?
o What would you think if you were in the other persons shoes?
o What do you really want?
Summarize the interests. Say: Your interests are ___________.
STEP 4: CREATE WIN-WIN OPTIONS
Explain brainstorming and state its rules:
o Say any idea that comes to mind.
o Do not judge or discuss ideas.
o Come up with as many ideas as possible.
o Try to think of unusual ideas.
Write disputants ideas on the Brainstorming Worksheet
STEP 5: EVALUATE OPTIONS
Ask disputants to nominate ideas or parts of ideas. Circle these on the Brainstorming Worksheet.
Evaluate options by applying criteria:
o Is this option fair?
o Can you do it?
o Do you think it will work?
STEP 6: CREATE AN AGREEMENT
Help disputants make a plan of action. Get specifics from each disputant: Who, what, when,
where, how?
Write the Peer Mediation Agreement. To complete the agreement, have each disputant summarize
by asking: What have you agreed to do?

 Close the mediation.