MODELS OF MEDIATION PRACTICE

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the variations in the context of higher education, reviews the predominant models of mediation practice, and provides a general road map for conflict handlers interested in understanding the mediation terrain. Mediation emerged on campuses in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which was a time when colleges and universities were experiencing a noticeable growth in legalism. Mediation as found at the midpoint of the Schrage and Thompson spectrum model used to be considered an alternative dispute resolution pathway suggesting a secondary pecking order to that of more formal adjudicated options. The chapter examines problem-solving, transformative, narrative, social justice, and insight models of face-to-face mediation in some detail. Additional models, including hybrid and online versions, continue to surface as practitioners in this young field gather data and advance new ways of promoting mediation as both an accessible process option and set of transferable conflict resolution skills.