SEL Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student refuses to share classroom materials during a group project, causing tension. Which SEL-aligned first step should the teacher take?
- Remove the student from the group immediately
- Facilitate a brief group discussion to identify each member's needs (Correct answer)
- Assign the student a separate solo task
- Ignore the situation and let students resolve it alone
Correct answer: Facilitate a brief group discussion to identify each member's needs
Facilitating a needs-identification discussion addresses the root cause and models collaborative problem-solving.
Question 2: Which conflict resolution style involves one party completely yielding to the other's demands?
- Competing
- Compromising
- Accommodating (Correct answer)
- Avoiding
Correct answer: Accommodating
Accommodating means one person prioritizes the other's needs entirely, often to preserve the relationship.
Question 3: During a peer mediation session, a student says 'You never listen to me!' What is the most effective SEL response from the mediator?
- Ask the other party if that is true
- Rephrase the statement into an 'I' message and ask the speaker to clarify (Correct answer)
- Tell the speaker that 'never' is an exaggeration
- Move on to the next topic to avoid escalation
Correct answer: Rephrase the statement into an 'I' message and ask the speaker to clarify
Rephrasing absolutes into 'I' messages reduces defensiveness and opens clearer communication.
Question 4: The 'SODAS' problem-solving model stands for Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and:
- Solution (Correct answer)
- Strategy
- Synthesis
- Support
Correct answer: Solution
SODAS concludes with selecting a Solution after weighing advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Question 5: Two students disagree about how to divide roles in a presentation. Which strategy best reflects integrative (win-win) negotiation?
- Flip a coin to decide roles randomly
- Have the teacher assign all roles
- Explore each student's strengths and assign roles accordingly (Correct answer)
- Allow the louder student to choose first
Correct answer: Explore each student's strengths and assign roles accordingly
Matching roles to individual strengths satisfies both parties' interests and exemplifies integrative negotiation.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a structural cause of conflict in a classroom setting?
- A student feeling disrespected by a peer's tone
- Differing cultural values about personal space
- Insufficient classroom seating creating competition (Correct answer)
- Miscommunication about assignment deadlines
Correct answer: Insufficient classroom seating creating competition
Structural causes stem from resource scarcity or environmental conditions rather than personal differences.
Question 7: In the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, which mode is characterized by high assertiveness and high cooperativeness?
- Avoiding
- Competing
- Compromising
- Collaborating (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Collaborating
Collaborating is the only mode that scores high on both assertiveness and cooperativeness, aiming for full mutual satisfaction.
SEL Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving 2
A student refuses to share classroom materials during a group project, causing tension.
Which SEL-aligned first step should the teacher take?