TOT 126: Shadow Training and Supervised Mediation

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TOT 126

WEEK 126

Shadow training and Supervised Mediation.

Irrespective of the length of training, or number of trainings one has undergone, participation in live mediation/s helps a lot in strengthening the acquired skills and building confidence. 

After basic training in mediation, it is advisable to go through the following steps:-

1. Request the trainees who have completed minimum forty hours of training in mediation to form a group of five and participate in role play, record the same and send it to the trainers for their feedback.
2. Request the trainees to participate as shadow mediators in mediations handled by trained mediators and follow at least 3 mediations by each of the trainers. Minimum of ten mediations keenly observed by the trainees will have its own impact. 

Essentials of Shadow training:

1. Trainee to note down the case history in brief.
2. Follow the mediation proceedings meticulously.
3. Note down by name each of the techniques and/or skills used by the trainer/mediator.
4. If a particular technique/skill could not be identified, request the mediator to help them identify the same by name. 
5. Identify the areas of impasse
6. Note down how the impasse situation was overcome
7. Suggestions if any, which the trainee wants to give to the trained mediator.
8. Get the doubts clarified.
9. A summary of entire mediation process.
10. Identify the areas of value additions.

Role reversal:

After sufficient number of shadow trainings are taken, the trainee is assigned with live cases. The trained mediator takes a back seat. Makes notes as observer, and hands over the note sheet to the trainee. The entire mediation process is supervised. The supervising mediator will act most of the time as a silent observer. 

The observer’s note sheet should essentially have the following:

1.  The case history in brief.
2.  Whether the trainee has followed the procedural aspects meticulously.
3. Whether the trainee knows the importance of each of the stages.
4. The techniques/skills used by the trainee- when and – how
5. Mistakes/ Errors committed by the trainee.
6. Areas in which the trainee needs improvement.
7. Areas in which the trainee is good/ excellent.
8. Whether the trainee needs further shadow training?
9. Theoretical aspects /concepts in which the trainee needs further training.
10. Suggestions if any , which the trainer /trained mediator wants to give to the trainee mediator.
11.  Final Opinion about the entire mediation process.

Shadow training and corrections and/or suggestions by observers can be made part of refresher and advanced training courses in mediation.

Advantages

1. Both the trainer and trainee get trained in the process.
2. As something is required to be put, and actually put on paper, before and after writing, both will have fair chance of introspection.
3. In the process of assessing others ‘ performance, the trainer becomes self-conscious about being very meticulous and professional while discharging the duties as a mediator. 
4. Both trainer and the trainee get acquainted with identifying the techniques/skills by name, and how when and where the same can or cannot be used.

“The observer, when he seems to himself to be observing a stone, is really, if physics is to be believed, observing the effects of the stone upon himself.“

Bertrand Russell
English Philosopher

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(All copy rights reserved by the author S.Susheela)