Theos-Talk Archives (August 2004 Message tt00628)

Perhaps a way the TS can develop as an organisation is by the
implementation of some of the techniques used in `group dynamics' and
conflict resolution.
This would be a very powerful and pro-active way of negotiating these
areas.
However group co-operation is required and autocratic systems challenged.
Some very good information and techniques on the following link, it's
aimed at schools but still the principles apply to any group
interested in inclusion rather than exclusion.

http://www.co-operation.org/pages/conflict.

Perry

"Using Academic Controversy In The Classroom (see Creative
Controversy: Intellectual Challenge In The Classroom, Johnson &
Johnson, 1995c): In order to maximize student achievement and complex
reasoning, students need to engage in intellectual conflicts. The
procedure for doing so is for members of a cooperative group to (a)
research and prepare different positions, (b) make a persuasive
presentation of their researched position, (c) refute the opposing
position while rebutting attacks on their own position, (d) view the
issue from a variety of perspectives (i.e., reverse perspectives), and
(e) synthesize/integrate the opposing positions into one mutually
agreed upon position. Frequently structuring academic controversies in
the classroom allows students to practice their conflict skills daily."

Quote taken from above website :
http://www.co-operation.org/pages/conflict.html#teaching