Mediation@mit.edu is again offering mediation training to students, faculty and staff next month during IAP.
In the training sessions, participants learn communication skills and conflict resolution techniques that are valuable in ordinary life, and they begin to understand both the viewpoints of others and their own motivations and assumptions. Most find their views on conflict resolution are permanently changed and their interpersonal communications much improved, according to organizers.
Completion of the 35-hour course leads to certification under Massachusetts law (not a license). It is most effective if everyone comes to all the classes, so attendance is required at all sessions. More information and an application are available on the Web at http://web.mit.edu/mediation/www>. The deadline for applying is Thursday, Dec. 12. Further questions may be sent by e-mail to mediation@mit.edu>. The instructors will be Mary Rowe of the President's Office, Andy Eisen-mann and Ayida Mthembu of the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs, housemaster Carol Orme-Johnson (director of the mediation program) and Mark Snow of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.
Sessions will take place January 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 27. They will run from 10am-1pm except on January 9 and 27, when they will meet from 10am-2pm. Lunch will be provided on those two days only. Seven of the classes will involve role-playing; other topics include Introduction and Demonstration (January 6), Listening Skills (January 10), Practical Pointers and Practice (January 13) and Multi-cultural Issues (January 23).
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on December 11, 1996.
