We hear more and more about teachers complaining of pupils’ misbehaviour and violent conduct. It is true that times have changed and that we are living in world where violence and conflict have invaded our lives through TV and the Internet. Peer pressure is another force that sometimes defeats the best teacher’s goodwill.

However, conflict is a natural part of relating to others. Conflict is also a great teacher. When handled well, it can increase our understanding of ourselves and others and lay the foundation for creative solutions. Conflict often leads to violence. Each person, each family, each school may have its own definition. Some people will consider verbal abuse as violence. Very often physical violence may be absent especially in girls’ schools but it can be psychological such as back-biting, rumor mongering, threats, name-calling, harassment, or stalking.

As a teacher you are bound to have encountered or will encounter a situation when the peace of your classroom is affected. The following tips may help you prepare to cope with such situations:

1. Show your students that you care for them Greet them at the door. Learn about their culture(s). Be aware of their slang terms. Do not spare praise and encouragement. Treat them as individual persons, not just the class as a whole.

2. Define and communicate your classroom rules

Be fair and consistent in applying those rules. Consider each incident's unique circumstances while making discipline-related decisions.

3. Be objective, not judgmental.

Try to adopt the students' perspective. Look at issues from a variety of angles.

4. Show that you are human

Be prepared to admit your mistakes and apologise. Use humour, when appropriate.

5. Be as near as possible to them in everyday life

Sitting behind a desk or standing behind a stage can send the message that you want to create distance between you and your students.

6. Deal with problem behaviour immediately and firmly

Unresolved conflicts and issues often resurface. Addressing a problem early lessens the chance that it will expand.

7. Adopt a collaborative approach

Maximize student opportunities for choices within the classroom. Consider the perspective that this is "our" classroom, not "my" classroom. Solicit students' opinions. Encourage your students to take initiatives and carry out daily jobs in turn. This will help develop ties between them and make them feel like a real family where good times and hard times can be enjoyed in a similar way..

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