Development of the pedagogue's spiritual abilities as an "understanding subject" when organising mediation of school conflicts

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of the high conflict nature of the educational environment, changes in the attitude in society towards the pedagogue, who is becoming increasingly limited in the implementation of educational functions and the use of legitimate disciplinary methods in school conflicts. The pedagogue's ability to act constructively in conflict situations allows it to successfully solve functional problems and ensure productive interaction with pupils. Mediation as a new tool for resolving conflicts at school requires the pedagogue-mediator to be in the position of an “understanding subject”. The article analyses the possibilities and limitations of two positions of mediation – “expert” and “understanding” – the author points out that the successful implementation of the fundamental principles of mediation is possible only in the paradigm of the “understanding” approach. The article notes that the basic competences of the pedagogue, developed by Vladimir Shadrikov in accordance with the educational standard, include interest in the inner world of the person, openness to accepting other’s positions, emotional stability, and reflection are closely related to the spiritual abilities of the person, aimed at knowing the other person, attainment of truth, penetration, understanding. The development of spiritual abilities and personal competences of the pedagogue will become the basis for the successful implementation of the possibilities of mediation when resolving interpersonal conflicts in the educational environment.