Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Coursera

Mediation is a crucial means to reaching peaceful and agreed solutions in today’s world – on an international, political, industrial, peace-keeping or social level.

With the course you will be able to choose and lead a mediation process. You will gain a deeper understanding of workplace and international conflict resolution. Fundamentals of Negotiation are required to complete this MOOC. You can acquire them through our MOOC "Negotiation Fundamentals".

After this course, you will be able to:

Define what a mediation is and choose when to use it;

List different types of mediation;

Identify typical challenges and difficulties that most mediators face;

Choose the adequate strategies within a repertoire of options;

Identify the do’s and don’ts in mediation.

This MOOC offers video lectures from leading experts, interactive questions, case studies, practice and graded quizzes.

Designed as a logical follow on from the suite of ESSEC IRENE online courses in negotiation, this course about mediation and conflict resolution teaches a whole set of additional skills and approaches. Developed by one of Europe’s leading institutes of research and education in negotiation and mediation, ESSEC IRENE, this course provides you with a meaningful and effective bouquet of practical cases, tools, approaches and skills to put your mediation into high-impact practice.

What's inside

Syllabus

Mediation Essentials

Mediation in practice

Mediation in the Workplace part 1

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Leverages 17 years of experience from ESSEC IRENE, a leading institute of research and education in negotiation and mediation

Instructors Aurélien Colson, Alan Jenkins, Joseph Maila, are recognized experts in their domain

Provides a comprehensive study of mediation and conflict resolution, offering a useful mix of practical cases, tools, approaches, and skills

Builds upon a prior course, "International Negotiation Fundamentals," which will be useful for students as foundational knowledge

Offers 6 modules of materials in video format with interactive questions, case studies, practice, and graded quizzes

Videos for the module, "Mediation in International Relations" are from 2017, so it is possible that some elements are no longer relevant

Reviews summary

Practical mediation and conflict resolution skills

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in mediation and conflict resolution. Many appreciate the blend of theory and practical application, particularly highlighting the engaging case studies and role-playing opportunities as valuable for understanding real-world scenarios. Students note that the instructors are knowledgeable, and the content is well-structured, especially building upon the recommended 'Negotiation Fundamentals' prerequisite. While the course is generally highly recommended for those seeking practical skills, a few reviewers mention that some content, specifically in international relations, might be slightly outdated. Overall, it's seen as a great resource for anyone looking to develop mediation skills for professional or personal use.

Course structure is logical and easy to follow.

"The course flow is very logical and builds concepts well."

"Found the modular structure and pacing effective."

"Content is presented in a clear and organized manner."

"The syllabus progresses smoothly from essentials to specific contexts."

Broadly applicable to various conflict settings.

"Applicable to workplace, personal, and international conflicts."

"Gave me tools useful in diverse situations, not just professional."

"The strategies taught are relevant for many types of disputes."

"Found the content valuable for both my career and personal life."

Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.

"The professor is very knowledgeable and explains things clearly."

"Excellent lecturers who are clearly experts in the field."

"I enjoyed the teaching style and insights provided by the instructors."

"The instructors' expertise shines through the materials."

Case studies and role-plays enhance learning.

"The cases presented are highly relevant and provoke deep thought."

"Role-playing exercises are a standout feature, offering hands-on experience."

"Working through the case studies was the most beneficial part for me."

"I appreciated the diverse range of cases covering different conflict types."

Combines foundational theory with practical case studies.

"The course really blends the theory and practice nicely."

"Loved the case studies and real-life examples used throughout the lectures."

"It is well-structured and offers both theoretical fundamentals and practical guidance."

"Found the practical examples incredibly helpful for grasping concepts."

Some international examples need updating.

"Videos on international relations are a bit old."

"Noticed that some specific examples in the international module felt dated."

"The context for the international case studies has shifted since 2017."

"Could benefit from updated examples in the international section."

Builds upon the negotiation prerequisite.

"Definitely need to take the Negotiation Fundamentals course first."

"As suggested, completing Negotiation Fundamentals beforehand is crucial."

"The course assumes prior knowledge from the negotiation course, so don't skip it."

"It's clearly designed as a follow-up to the negotiation MOOC."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mediation and Conflict Resolution with these activities:

Review fundamentals

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Refresh your knowledge of the negotiation process before starting this course.

Browse courses on Mediation

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Read the course syllabus
Review your notes from a previous negotiation course
Complete the Fundamentals of Negotiation MOOC

Practice mediation skills

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Practice your mediation skills with a partner or group.

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Find a partner or group to practice with
Choose a mediation scenario
Take turns playing the role of the mediator

Attend a mediation workshop

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Learn from experienced mediators and improve your skills by participating in a workshop.

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Find a mediation workshop that meets your needs
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Write a case study

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Write a case study on a mediation you have participated in or observed.

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Identify a mediation that you have participated in or observed
Gather your notes and materials from the mediation
Write a case study that describes the mediation process and its outcome

Learn about different mediation techniques

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Expand your knowledge of mediation techniques by watching tutorials on the topic.

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Find tutorials on mediation techniques
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Practice the techniques you have learned

Mentor other students

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Help other students learn and improve your own understanding of mediation.

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Identify a student who is struggling with mediation
Offer to help the student by mentoring them
Meet with the student and provide them with guidance and support

Career center

Learners who complete Mediation and Conflict Resolution will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Negotiator

Negotiators act as intermediaries between two or more parties in order to help them resolve disputes and reach agreements. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to facilitate communication, identify common ground, and develop solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for negotiators. It can help negotiators to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their negotiations.

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Mediator

Mediators are impartial third parties who help disputing parties reach mutually acceptable agreements. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to facilitate communication, identify common ground, and develop solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for mediators. It can help mediators to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their mediations.

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Conflict Resolution Specialist

Conflict Resolution Specialists work with individuals and groups to resolve conflicts and improve communication. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help disputing parties understand each other's perspectives, identify common ground, and develop solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Conflict Resolution Specialists. It can help Conflict Resolution Specialists to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Arbitrator

Arbitrators are neutral third parties who make binding decisions in disputes. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to hear evidence from both sides, evaluate the facts, and make a decision that is fair and equitable. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for arbitrators. It can help arbitrators to improve their ability to manage conflict, evaluate evidence, and make sound decisions.

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Conciliator

Conciliators are neutral third parties who help disputing parties reach agreements. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to facilitate communication, identify common ground, and develop solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for conciliators. It can help conciliators to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their conciliations.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal disputes and provide legal advice. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help clients resolve disputes and achieve their legal goals. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for lawyers. It can help lawyers to improve their ability to manage conflict, negotiate settlements, and advocate for their clients' interests.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization and are responsible for managing employee relations, including resolving conflicts. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help employees resolve disputes and improve communication. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Human Resources Managers. It can help Human Resources Managers to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome personal and social challenges. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help clients resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Social Workers. It can help Social Workers to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Counselor

Counselors help people with mental health issues and personal problems. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help clients resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Counselors. It can help Counselors to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the human mind and behavior. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help clients resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Psychologists. It can help Psychologists to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Peacebuilder

Peacebuilders work to prevent and resolve conflicts in communities around the world. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help disputing parties reach agreements and build peace. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Peacebuilders. It can help Peacebuilders to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in international relations. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help resolve conflicts between countries and promote peace. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Diplomats. It can help Diplomats to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Facilitator

Facilitators help groups of people work together effectively. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help groups reach consensus and make decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Facilitators. It can help Facilitators to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Trainer

Trainers teach people new skills and knowledge. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help learners resolve conflicts and improve their communication. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Trainers. It can help Trainers to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They use their skills in mediation and conflict resolution to help organizations resolve conflicts and improve their performance. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of mediation, which are essential skills for Consultants. It can help Consultants to improve their ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and achieve successful outcomes in their work.

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