Eureka! Institutional Repository

Differences, conflicts and incidents of violence are situations that are often encountered in the school environment, with particular concern for teachers. Various ways have been proposed and implemented to tackle the effects of conflict and violence. Among the proposed methods is the school mediation, an alternative, innovative way that comes within the context of restorative justice. The present study investigates the views of eight school principals of district of Pella, who apply voluntary the school mediation. The research focuses on highlighting the impact of the school mediation and its results, on both the participating teachers and the school life. In order to achieve the purpose of the research, a qualitative research was carried out and interviews were conducted to collect the information. The results of the research reflected the positive impact of school mediation and its principles on the personality of participating teachers and on school day-to-day life. Specifically, the interpersonal relationships were improved, the empathy and the active listening were developed, the skills for peaceful arrangement and resolution were acquired, the conflicts and the in-school violence were reduced. However, the participants identified the lack of systematic and continuous training, the need for universal implementation of school mediation and its integration into the curriculum. It is noted that the participating teachers, in order to accomplish the all above, consider that it is necessary the Ministry’s support, which should formulate the institutional framework for its implementation.