Reduce classroom conflict by 34% with this simple but effective technique
Guest blog from Kathryn Humphreys, Project Resilience Director
As educators and school leaders, we navigate daily conversations that offer opportunities to make a difference. While many go smoothly, some are more challenging—whether it’s addressing a pupil’s behaviour, a parent’s concerns, or a colleague’s difficulties. These moments, though tough, present chances for understanding and growth.
Common Conversations in Schools: An Opportunity for Growth
Here are a few common types of challenging conversations in schools:
- With Pupils: Supporting a pupil struggling to focus
- With Parents: Reassuring anxious parents about their child’s progress
- With Colleagues: Addressing workloads or performance constructively
- With Governors: Presenting ideas or concerns impacting the school.
These interactions, though sometimes stressful, allow us to build trust and collaboration when approached with empathy and clarity.
Why Conversations Feel Challenging
Despite good intentions, sensitive topics like academic performance or workloads can feel difficult. Sometimes, without realising it, we may use language that feels sharp or judgmental, which can cause others to withdraw or become defensive. We’ve all been there—keen to find solutions, but perhaps missing the mark in how we communicate, despite the care behind our words.
In fast-paced school environments, it’s easy to fall into communication patterns that unintentionally create distance. It’s not that we’re doing anything wrong—it’s simply that conversations can sometimes slip into default modes that don’t fully reflect the empathy and collaboration we’d like to convey.
How We’d Like to Be Spoken To
When facing difficult conversations, we’d likely prefer:
- Understanding: Feeling truly heard
- Kindness: Caring, considerate language
- Clear Communication: A straightforward explanation without judgment
- Collaboration: An invitation to solve issues together.
When we communicate like this, we’re more likely to feel supported, even when the conversation is difficult. This is exactly what Nonviolent Communication (NVC) seeks to cultivate in every interaction.
What Does the Research Say About Nonviolent Communication?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg1 has been studied across a variety of contexts, including educational settings. Rosenberg’s model is grounded in the idea that unresolved conflicts often stem from unmet needs. By fostering empathetic communication and focusing on these needs, NVC seeks to find resolutions that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
Research has shown that NVC can significantly improve communication and reduce conflicts in schools. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology2 demonstrated that implementing NVC principles enhanced teacher-student relationships, leading to reduced classroom conflict and increased student engagement. This highlights the potential of NVC to create a more positive learning environment3.
Similarly, research in the Journal of Educational Research2 indicated that when teachers applied NVC techniques, students reported feeling more understood and valued. This in turn led to higher motivation levels and greater cooperation among pupils, underscoring the importance of empathetic communication in fostering a collaborative classroom atmosphere.
Furthermore, studies conducted in European schools showed the profound impact NVC can have on both staff well-being and student behaviour. Key findings included:
- A 34% reduction in classroom conflicts and disruptions 5
- Enhanced emotional resilience among staff, with a noticeable improvement in their ability to manage stress during challenging conversations
- Increased trust between staff and parents, resulting in more effective problem-solving efforts.
Additionally, research from the Center for Nonviolent Communication revealed that students in classrooms where NVC was employed showed a 28% increase in social-emotional skills, such as empathy and conflict resolution. These students were also more likely to resolve conflicts without requiring teacher intervention, contributing to a more harmonious and cooperative school environment4.
The growing body of research makes it clear that NVC not only improves communication but also transforms relationships, fosters understanding, and promotes a culture of empathy and cooperation.
You can learn this art to at the ‘Empowered Conversations’ Workshop?
The ‘Empowered Conversations’ workshop offers experiential learning to apply NVC principles in real-world situations. Here’s what to expect:
- Hands-On Learning: Interactive exercises that make NVC practical and applicable immediately
- 10-Step Framework: A structured guide through each stage of a conversation, ensuring connection and collaboration
- Real Conversations: Work on specific scenarios, applying NVC principles to challenges faced with pupils, parents, or colleagues
- Transformational Outcomes: Participants leave more confident, equipped to handle sensitive conversations with empathy and clarity.
Here’s what some previous participants have said about the training:
With an average score of 10/10, this workshop consistently helps participants transform their approach to challenging conversations, leaving them feeling empowered and equipped to navigate difficult situations with confidence and compassion – whether that be with a pupil, parent, colleague or governor.
Transform Your Conversations, Transform Your School
By the end of the ‘Empowered Conversations’ workshop, you will have a deeper understanding of NVC, practical tools you can apply immediately, and the confidence to approach any conversation—no matter how challenging—with empathy, clarity, and connection.
References:
Ref 1.Rosenberg, M. B. (2003). Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. PuddleDancer Press.
Ref 2. Journal of Educational Psychology, American Psychological Association. Available at: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/edu/
Ref 3. Jieun Sung & Youngran Kweon, Nursing Reports (2022), “Effects of a Nonviolent Communication-Based Empathy Education Program”. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com
Ref 4. “Use of Nonviolent Communication: Deepening Teacher–Student Interpersonal Relationships”, IntechOpen (2022). Available at: https://www.intechopen.com
Ref 5. 34% reduction in classroom disruptions and increased trust between staff and parents – IntechOpen (2022): https://www.intechopen.com
