Team Work in the Classroom

Resolving Disagreements
Guidelines for Problem Solving
1. Talk:
• Respect for the other person
• Commitment to finding a solution
• Clarity in how you see the issue

2. Define:
• The problem, as you see it
• The other person’s definition of the problem
• Develop a shared definition of the problem

3. Ask:
• Who is involved
• How are they involved
• What behaviors and/or attitudes interfere with a solution

4. List:
• Areas of mutual agreement concerning the problem
• Areas of disagreement
• Barriers to finding a solution
• A desired goal

5. Brainstorm:
• Possible solutions
• Resources, information or assistance that will help you achieve the goal

6. Agree:
On a possible solution
How to implement the solution

7. Implement:
• The selected solution for a specific period of time
• Evaluate its effectiveness
• Refine and adjust as necessary
 Team Work in the Classroom
Role Play
Resolving Disagreements
Part 1: The Presenting Problem

Role Play A
You feel disrespected by the way your colleague talks to
you in front of the students. S/he speaks in a very abrupt
manner and sometimes looks exasperated when you ask a
question.

• What is a good time for the two of you to talk about

this?
• Role play how you would approach him/her and how
you would discuss the situation.
 Team Work in the Classroom
Role Play
Resolving Disagreements
Part 1: The Presenting Problem

Role Play B

Your colleague frequently raises his/her voice & yells at

students. This increases the noise and tension level in the
classroom and often leads to more disruptive behavior.

• What is a good time for the two of you to talk about

this?
• Role play how you would approach him/her and
discuss this situation.
 Team Work in the Classroom
Role Play
Resolving Disagreements
Part 2: The Other Side of the Story

Role Play A

You have worked with special education students for

twelve years. You feel that you have a good rapport with
many students. Your colleague is new, and you feel that
s/he doesn’t value your input.
 Team Work in the Classroom
Role Play
Resolving Disagreements
Part 2: The Other Side of the Story

Role Play B

You feel that your colleague has poor classroom

management skills. The class is frequently unruly and
your colleague doesn’t address the students’ inappropriate
behaviors. You don’t like to yell, but you feel that’s the
only way to get the students’ attention.