Conflict Resolution Skills-- Historical Context

High School Social Emotional Learning Activity

Teen SEL activity on conflict resolution and protest in society

Protest and Conflict Resolution from an Historical Perspective

Objective

Examine healthy ways of having conflict in society, discussing opposing views, and protesting with a purpose.

Grade Level

High School, Middle School

Health / Social Emotional Topics

  • History and Social Change
  • Conflict resolution
  • Setting boundaries
  • Communication skills

Procedures

Today, teens see or experience conflict daily between groups with different opinions, between societies and their governments, in social media exchanges-- it's everywhere. What are some effective ways of resolving conflict in society?

Using the quote "In any conflict, be sure you know what you really want, and whether what you are doing is really helping you get there," discuss different forms of interaction and conflict resolution in society. Determine which conflict resolution techniques are more effective and healthier.

1. Review the full teaching notes for the quote.

2. Consider different forms or examples of public protest or expressing discontent with society throughout history (For example: peaceful protest, boycotts, social media shaming, marches, strikes, rioting, occupy movements.) Which methods or events were most effective at causing change? Why or why not?

3. Social media plays a role in conflict, protest and expressions of discontent today. In which ways is social media helpful, and in which ways does social media inflame conflict? Consider the role of social media in criticizing others, in conflict between friends, as well as enabling protest groups.

Examples of protests / activists: Martin Luther King, Students at Parkland HS, Charlottesville Virginia, Black Lives Matter, #BoycottStarbucks, West Virgina Teacher Strikes, Kent State, Hong Kong Protests, Tiananmen Square Protests, Greta Thunberg, Women's Suffrage, Arab Spring

Resources on protest movements and social media conflict: