CCE · Primary 6

Active learning ideas

Conflict Resolution Skills

Active learning helps students internalize conflict resolution by letting them experience real emotions and decisions in a safe space. When students step into roles, practice dialogue, and design plans, they move from abstract ideas to practical skills they can trust in real situations.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• MOE: Interpersonal Skills - P6
• MOE: Decision Making - P6

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Role Play
• 45 min · Small Groups

Role-Play Circuit: Everyday Conflicts

Prepare 6 scenario cards on peer disputes, family disagreements, and group projects. In small groups, students draw a card, assign roles, apply negotiation or mediation for 5 minutes, then switch. Debrief as a class on what worked.

Differentiate between various conflict resolution strategies, such as mediation and negotiation.

Facilitation Tip

During the Role-Play Circuit, circulate with a checklist to note which students default to judging instead of listening, so you can gently redirect them toward paraphrasing the other person's point.

What to look for

Provide students with a brief scenario of a conflict between two friends over a shared resource. Ask them to write down: 1. One potential cause of the conflict. 2. One strategy they would use to resolve it and why.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Role Play
• 30 min · Whole Class

Fishbowl Mediation Practice

One pair demonstrates a conflict in the center circle while the outer group observes and notes strategies. Observers then rotate in to mediate the same scenario differently. End with group sharing of insights.

Analyze the underlying causes of common conflicts in a community setting.

Facilitation Tip

In Fishbowl Mediation Practice, give the observer role clear questions to focus on, such as 'Did the mediator ask open questions?' to keep feedback constructive.

What to look for

Present a case study of a community dispute (e.g., a disagreement over park hours). Ask students: 'What are the underlying issues here? Which resolution strategy would be most effective and why? What are the potential challenges to implementing that strategy?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 35 min · Pairs

Conflict Plan Builder: Pairs

Provide a hypothetical community conflict template. Pairs brainstorm causes, list strategies, and outline steps with roles assigned. Pairs present plans to another pair for feedback and refinement.

Construct a plan for resolving a hypothetical conflict using learned skills.

Facilitation Tip

As students build Conflict Plans in pairs, listen for language like 'we could try' instead of 'you should,' which signals they're developing collaborative thinking.

What to look for

In small groups, students role-play a conflict scenario. After the role-play, each student provides feedback to the 'mediator' or 'negotiator' using a checklist: Did they listen actively? Did they encourage 'I' statements? Did they suggest exploring multiple solutions? Did they remain neutral?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• Role Play
• 20 min · Individual

Resolution Journal: Individual Reflection

Students independently journal a personal conflict, analyze causes, choose a strategy, and predict outcomes. Follow with voluntary pair shares to practice verbalizing plans.

Differentiate between various conflict resolution strategies, such as mediation and negotiation.

Facilitation Tip

In the Resolution Journal, model reflective language by sharing your own example first, such as 'I noticed I interrupted when I felt hurried, which made the other person upset.'

What to look for

Provide students with a brief scenario of a conflict between two friends over a shared resource. Ask them to write down: 1. One potential cause of the conflict. 2. One strategy they would use to resolve it and why.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with concrete scenarios students recognize, like sharing a ball in recess or borrowing a book. Avoid starting with theory; instead, let students discover strategies through guided practice where mistakes become learning points. Research shows role-plays and written reflections strengthen transfer of skills to daily interactions, so build in opportunities for both.

Success looks like students shifting from win-lose thinking to collaborative problem-solving, using clear steps to address conflicts without escalating tension. They should confidently identify causes, choose strategies, and reflect on their own and others' actions during the activities.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Role-Play Circuit, students may assume conflicts must involve adults or authority figures.

  During the Role-Play Circuit, circulate and pause a scenario where peers are stuck, asking, 'What could you try first without asking an adult? Remember, you have the skills to talk it out yourselves—what opening line could you use?'

• During Fishbowl Mediation Practice, students may focus on proving their side is right.

  During Fishbowl Mediation Practice, hand observers sticky notes labeled 'Win-win move' and ask them to place notes whenever they hear a suggestion that addresses both sides, highlighting successful compromises.

• During the Conflict Plan Builder, students may believe ignoring conflicts makes them disappear.

  During the Conflict Plan Builder, provide a template that includes a timeline with 'If ignored, then...' to show the long-term effects of inaction, prompting students to plan proactive steps instead.

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Methods used in this brief

• Role Play