TOT 158-Remedy-Mistake

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TOT 158

WEEK 158

Mistake -Remedy

(To be used in advanced training programs).

Imparting Practical  training is the most difficult part in any training program.  However, the importance of  imparting the  theoretical knowledge cannot be ignored. Once the basic  concepts are introduced  by the trainers the trainees may develop the habit of reading further relevant material  on each of the topics  dealt with in the forty hours’ training program and   move forward  towards  gaining further knowledge .  Often a big  gap  is noticed  in many trainees  in assimilating   the theory  part with the practical part.  They are seen getting  struck during the  role plays. They are seen feeling  struck in live mediations. This situation is  understandable when it comes to mediation being  very effectively done, but the parties not agreeing on settlement terms.

In such situations, a mediator may put the following questions to oneself:-

             A)Where did I go wrong?

B)What could I have done?

• What Could have been avoided by me?

 How does the trainer help the trainees  in understanding the value of these  questions and meeting the same.

STEP-1-Preparation.

1. Lead Trainer  chooses two  or more trainers to play the role of  disputing parties/third parties in a role play.
2. Chooses   a person from amongst the trainees to play the role of  mediator.
3. The (trainer) parties  must know when to give in and when not to.

STEP-2

i)As the role play proceeds,  whenever a mistake is noticed by the lead trainer, the

 word “ Mistake” is written on the  board.

The participants are asked to  write  a single sentence about the mistake noticed, (if they could identify it).

Trainer goes around each of the trainees and finds out , how many have identified the mistake, and how many  have not.

How many have  correctly identified the mistakes .

Trainer announces the mistake.

Trainee mediator is asked to carry out the corrections.

Role play proceeds further. 

Wherever the trainee mediator is unable to correct the mistake..trainer writes “ REMEDY” on the white board.        

STEP-3

           Each of the participants is asked to suggest  the remedy in a single sentence.

Lead trainer goes around and finds out how many  of the trainees know how to handle the situation and how many do not., and how many have suggested the right step.

Trainer suggests the chosen  remedy  in a single word – single sentence.

Trainee mediator is asked to go ahead.

If one suggestion does not work, lead trainer picks up the other suggestion offered by an another  trainee.

This technique  is generally used in advanced mediation training programs.

Advantages:

1. The mediation process takes place in the most dignified manner.
2. Lead trainer does not speak much- excepting for the  use of the word/s “ Mistake”/Remedy” or a sentence about “ suggestion”.
3. No one else speaks, and there is total seriousness involved in the learning process.
4. Every trainee  is actively involved.
5. Every trainee assumes the role  of “mediator” , even though not seated in the mediator’s seat.
6.  How differently each mediator thinks can be understood .
7.  Trainees understand the role of co-mediators.

• Trainees understand the value of brainstorming and  collective thinking.
• Trainees understand  how the observer mediators  can effectively  assist the lead mediator , as shadow mediators, without obstructing the mediation process.

“Alone we can do so little; together  we can do so much.”- Helen Killer

(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)