Students Take Class Aimed At Resolving Conflict

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Learning how to properly deal with conflict was the idea behind a very unique training session involving a group of students from Apollo Middle School.

The program was held on Wednesday by the Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management.

The students participated in a number of skits, games and discussions to get to the root of some very serious issues that affect students everyday.

"Just like we teach them math and we teach them other skills in life, we also want to teach them that - how you manage people is really a set of tools and skills," said Steve Joiner, Lipscomb University.

On vital skills not usually taught in school like conflict resolution.

"Conflict happens in life. It's a part of life and we want our kids to know how to manage it so they will be better people," said Apollo Middle School principal Ron Woodard.

Students were taught how to deal with bullying along with diversity issues.

"One of the problems that we have within middle schools anywhere is the idea of the stronger picking on the weak," said Joiner.

Administrators of the program believe students will take what they learn and serve as leaders back at school and in their classrooms.

"Hopefully over a series of months to the end of the school year, they will put some tools in their tool chest that will make life easier for everybody," said Joiner.

In all, the 30 students will attend six training sessions, some on site at Apollo Middle School. The program was offered two years ago for a group of Maplewood High School students.