Kompetencije vaspitača za posredovanje u rešavanju konflikata među decom

Abstract

Conflict mediation is a significant aspect of preschool teachers’ professional competencies. Competencies comprise knowledge and understanding of the conflict, ability of reacting in a conflict situation, and the implementation of strategies and techniques for mediating children’s conflicts. Accordingly, the aim of the research was to examine how preschool teachers evaluate their own competencies for mediating conflict resolution among preschool children. The research was conducted in preschool institutions in Serbia, on a sample of 148 preschool teachers. The assessment of preschool teachers’ attitudes was measured using an attitude scale which was designed for the purpose of the research. The obtained results have shown that preschool teachers do not have sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to mediate the resolution of children’s conflicts. Considering the importance of the issue, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of a more intensive training of preschool teachers in conflict management among preschoolers, which would further enhance children’s ability to successfully overcome social conflicts.