Reading about the Montessori approach to education, I came across this explanation of the “Peace Table” in The Montessori Way (PDF). In this approach (2), children address conflicts and disputes at the Peace Table, rather than by fighting. The idea is to find peaceful solutions to conflict. In more intractable or complicated disputes, the students can request a mediator. Peace treaties are crafted and the children record the agreement in a binder. “A ringing bell signals the agreement, bringing classroom work to a momentary standstill as students pause to applaud an act of peace.”
Conflict-avoidance is the essence of civilization (2, 3; 4), this is quite amazing and libertarian.
12:32 pm on September 14, 2004
