WEEK 139
“READING MATERIAL”
Reading materials are given to the trainees by some trainers as a tool in the process of learning. These can be given either before , or during the training.
- Contents of opening statement (2) Role play materials (3) Passages or books or essays on a given topic (4) Instructions (5) Poems (5) Short stories (6) Riddles .. etc can be given as reading materials.
Some reading materials are prepared by the trainer and given to the trainees , which may be of guidance value.
EXAMPLE:
USE OF READING MATERIAL TO BRING SYNERGY BETWEEN PRACTICAL AND THEORY
Providing appropriate reading material to the trainees in order to guide them in making use of their theoretical knowledge to the practical situation is very challenging.
All such reading material cannot be prepared and kept ready well ahead of training . Some of the materials may have to be prepared overnight depending on the receptive capacity of the trainees.
The following example may be considered:-
SYSTEMATIC USE OF PRIVATE SESSION FOR GATHERING INFORMATION:-
(Reading Material)
Private sessions are to be used by the mediators in a methodical and systematic manner to get all information regarding person, problem and solutions.
- UNDERSTANDING THE PERSON :-Very first part of private session be used to (a) Know about the person in detail ( Please tell me something about you) . (b) What does Party 1 think of the other party (c) What does the other party think of party 1. (d) Whose words would matter much to the Party 1. ( e) Whom does the other party respect more . (f) Whom does the party 1 wants to avoid in negotiation (g) Whom all does he /she want to involve.
(Repeat the same with Party -2) .
ii)UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
- What according to Party 1 is the problem?
- What according to the other party is the problem?
- What is the cause for the problem?
- Who according to Party 1 is the source of the problem ?
- Who can help in resolving the problem?
- Who can aggravate the problem?
- What are the negative effects of the problem?
- How would the life be , with the problem getting resolved in mediation?
- (Revisiting:- (a)What is the actual problem ?
(b)What can be the probable possible solution acceptable to both the parties?
(Note; (ix) Should not be asked unless I to viii are covered.)
( The same exercise may be done with the other party and if need be with some of the third parties)
III) UNDERSTANDING THE SOLUTION
- What according to party 1 are the probable solutions?
- What according to the other party may be the solution for the problem?
- Are the suggested solutions achievable/workable?
- How can they be made workable/achievable/
- Are there any other options?
- Can the party think out of the box?
- Can party assign reasons as to why a particular option does not work?
- Can party give reason as to why a particular option should be honored by the other party?
Note: Reading material on similar lines can be prepared and given providing guidelines for conducting (i) initial joint sessions. (ii) intermittent joint sessions (iii) sessions with experts (iv) developing negotiation strategies (v) sessions with the counsels etc
III). Advantages:
Giving role plays and asking the mediator to try to gather information is not bad. However giving reading material well before hand will make the trainees playing the role of mediator aware of how to proceed in a systematic manner.
They learn the professional way of mediating .
Trainees know that mediation is not something that is done without preparation.
Trainees understand that the quality of mediation process is also dependent on “ what questions are to be asked when and why and how”.
Trainees can keep this reading material for guidance for setting agenda, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case on hand.
“ You just have to have the guidance to lead you in the direction until you can do it yourself”.
Tina Yothers – American actress and singer
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 