EDUC 746 Conflict Resolution

The effective means of solving conflicts are explored through conceptualizing and practicing interpersonal leadership skills, testing assumptions about other people, taking other people into account by listening and testing the meaning of what they have said.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

As educational institutions reflect cultural issues, school leaders face increasingly complicated challenges related to conflict resolution and the responsibility to provide a learning environment conducive to learning. Leaders need to proactively develop and implement conflict resolution policies and practices appropriate for the culture and needs of learning communities. Leaders must continually keep abreast with trends, including the increased role of technology in conflicts.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will complete 2 discussions in this course. Each discussion will focus on building conflict resolution resources for the class and will be completed in 2 parts. For the Discussion: Conflict Resolution Resources – Influencers, TED Talks, and Websites, the candidate will create a 750-word thread in response to the prompt. For the Discussion: Conflict Resolution Resources – Conflict Resolution Resource Guide Submission and Reflection, the candidate will create a 1,500-word thread in response to the prompt. The threads must include at least 1 in-text citation from the textbook, scholarly journals, and/or the Bible. Then, the candidate will submit a 200-word reply to 2 peers. Each reply should include at least 1 in-text citation from the textbook, scholarly journals, and/or the Bible. Current APA format must be followed. While differing opinions are expected, professional respect and courtesy are also expected. (CLO: A, B, F)

Personal Conflict Project Assignments (2)

The candidate will select a personal conflict to work through during the course. Due to the sensitive nature of this assignment, full confidentiality will be maintained. Throughout this course, the candidate will be introduced to different theories, strategies, and skills necessary for conflict resolution. This theoretical underpinning is necessary before anyone can practically apply any of the concepts found in this course. This project will allow the candidate to start to identify a current personal conflict and attempt conflict resolution strategies and reconciliation based on the theories, strategies, and skills in the course. Please note that while attempting to resolve the conflict, plans may adjust as the situation warrants. The candidate’s final grade is not contingent upon successful reconciliation, but the process by which reconciliation is sought.

• Part 1 – Conflict Identification and Approval Chart Assignment
  The candidate will submit a short chart identifying the conflict, the individual involved, and the reason the conflict is appropriate for the course project. This ensures faculty approval and suitability. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

• Part 2 – Journal and Reflection Assignment
  The candidate will maintain a journal documenting the conflict resolution process and submit a final reflection. The reflection includes analysis of conflict stages, strategies used, outcomes, and lessons learned. Each paragraph must be at least 5 sentences long. At least 4 journal entries must be submitted. The reconciliation plan and meeting summary section and the final reflection section should each be 1–2 pages. Where applicable, current APA format must be followed. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

Professional Issue Project Assignments (3)

This multi-part project encourages the candidate to apply conflict resolution theory and biblical integration to a real professional issue in educational settings.

• Part 1 – Issue, Biblical Conflict, and Annotated Bibliography Assignment
  The candidate will select a professional issue, identify a relevant biblical conflict, and submit an annotated bibliography with at least 7 scholarly sources related to the issue. Each citation must contain a 2–3 sentence summary of how the article supports understanding of the issue or key conflict themes. (CLO: A, B, E, F)

• Part 2 – Biblical Critique Assignment

  The candidate will analyze the selected biblical conflict using a structured critique format, drawing connections to his/her professional issue and applying theological insights. The candidate will utilize the provided Biblical Critique Template and complete the following five sections: Introduction, Read, Reflect, Respond, and Conclusion. The Introduction must be at least 5 complete sentences. The Read section must include a chart of at least 10–15 objectively-stated facts from the passage. The Respond section must be at least 4 full paragraphs and must integrate support from the textbook and at least 3 additional scholarly sources. Current APA format must be followed. (CLO: A, B, E, F)

• Part 3 – Conflict Analysis and Strategy Recommendations Assignment
  The candidate will write a 10–12-page final paper analyzing the professional issue through the lens of three key issues, relevant conflict theories, biblical context, and actionable conflict resolution strategies. Findings from the Part 2 – Biblical Critique Assignment should be integrated. A minimum of 15 scholarly sources is required. Current APA format must be followed. (CLO: A, B, E, F)

The candidate will not be permitted to use direct quotes.

Conflict Styles Assessment and Reflection Assignment

The candidate will complete a conflict style assessment and create a 2-page visual representation (infographic or digital handout) summarizing all five styles and identifying 1–2 strengths and 1–2 weaknesses for each style. At least 2 scholarly sources must be cited in current APA format. The candidate will also include a Venn diagram comparing his/her top two styles and reflect (in 150–200 words) on their implications in personal and professional settings while integrating a biblical perspective (150–200 words). (CLO: A, B, G)

Quizzes (2)

There are two quizzes in this course designed to assess the candidate’s understanding of the core concepts presented in the required textbook. Each quiz is multiple-choice, allows 1 attempt, and must be completed independently. Quiz: Mid-Term Assessment also includes 2 essay questions and has a 1-hour time limit. Quiz: Final Assessment has a 15-minute time limit. Quizzes reinforce theoretical knowledge and practical application of conflict resolution principles in educational settings.