Oktatáskutató és Fejlesztő Intézet

in the Hungarian Institute for Educational Research and Development 

In the area of education one of the current challenges Hungary (as well as most EU countries) face is how to prevent and handle violence (Violation of rules) in school. One of MSE's priority aims is to enhance cooperation between institutions dealing with children to prevent violence in schools. We have experienced that there is not suffiencient co-operation between the participants of the education, and the infringements, inattentions, conflicts in the schools lead to confidence deficiency and distrust between school citizens.

MSE deals with mediation, conciliation, giving information about educational rights and educational conflict-solving methods.

MSE was established in 2004 by the Ministry of Education in order to promote alternative dispute resolution for the parties of education giving a chance of conflict solving in a more effective, more efficient way for free. The control over the operation of MSE is exercised by the Minister of Education letting untouched the autonomy and independency of MSE.

Now MSE is a small organizational unit within the Hungarian Institute for Educational Research and Development with a special status and autonomy, in charge of helping the participants of education in their conflicts with advice and mediators. Our mediators are impartial, unbiased and their actions are unaffected by political interests.

By now in Hungary it has become an educational right (declared by the Educational Act and the Act of Higher Education) to turn to the MSE for help in conflict-solving in schools/universities/colleges. The MSE can delegate a mediator based on the common will of the persons affected by the conflict, and the mediator is trying to help them to reach consensus.

 

The fundamental principles and values of the Service

 

One of our most important tasks is to generate an open and honest dialogue about the problem and to help students, teachers and parents in conflict-solving.

Using the services of MSE is voluntary and depends on the free will of the disagreeing parties.

The mediators are external, neutral, independent and not representatives of the parties. The mediators are bound to keep all information in secret.

The constitutional right to turn to a Trial Court is not violated by the activity of MSE. If the conflict-solving process is terminated, the educational participants can call for legal remedies.

 

Our mission

 

What is the mission of MSE?

Our mission is to transform schools into safer, more caring, and more effective institutions. Through our work we:

• Help students and educators see their conflict differently

• Teach students and educators to resolve conflicts in a non-violent and collaborative way

• Mediate conflicts

• Disseminate problem solving methods in education

• Support educators to integrate collaborative conflict resolution processes into the daily routine of the school, and into the curricula of the institution.
• On the basis of a mutual agreement by the involved parties MSE participates in resolution of educational disputes (disputes between institutions, or members of institutions) which can be mediated or any other ADR (alternative dispute resolution) method can be used.
• In the case of educational disputes we offer a prepared and trained mediator who meets the need of the parties.
• In order to prevent conflicts - upon request - the MSE provides professional advice or information in educational questions.
• Promote and popularize mediation and arbitration in Hungary.

 

The aim of the method of mediation

Restoring the sense of trust and communication between the parties in dispute.

Preventing and/or terminating the educational conflict.

Safeguarding and/or restoring the peace at workplace or between an educational institution and its maintainer.

 

When to turn to MSE?

 

• When the operation of an educational institute is changing, when strikes or demonstrations have not started yet
• In case of modification of a school document (rules, regulation of operation)
• When there is a dispute between an educational institute and parents/students
• In the reconciliation phase of a development conception or plan
• Before or after disciplinary proceedings in schools
• In the case of personal, professional or labour debates or litigation
• In case where arbitration, moderation is required
• In debates referring any educational profile or trend
• In educational disputes where consulting or information is required

 

Our services

 

We offer you an arbitrator or a mediator who is experienced in educational debates.

By the assistance of a mediator, the parties can solve their conflicts, problems more efficiently, rapidly and cost-effectively than in any other proceedings.

MSE offers a range of mediation, facilitation. We specialize in:

• Mediation
• Negotiation
• Conflict Management
• Communication
• Facilitation

Communication difficulties and interpersonal tension among adults can impede a school's ability to meet student needs. Educators have called upon MSE mediators for assistance. Here are just a few examples:

• Tension between classroom teachers and students/parents

• A student disciplinary matter
• Roma parents/students protest against the perceived discriminatory treatment they received from school leaders

• Philosophical differences and long-standing interpersonal tensions made it uncomfortable for a teacher or a student to go to work

• Bickering between two students of different races began to turn violent and spill over into the school day

• A head teacher's style of leadership led to confidence-deficiency among teachers in a vocational school

 

Mediation is a structured, confidential process whose goal is to help people in conflict understand one another and, if they desire, create an agreement that resolves the issues in dispute. Although there is no guarantee that mediation will be effective, our experience with a wide range of school-based disputes convinces us that when the parties choose to participate, the process is extremely beneficial.

 

How to turn to MSE?

 

The parties - affected by the educational conflict - jointly ask the MSE for mediation in written form (e-mail, letter).

The parties and the mediator jointly define the place and time of mediation.

The director of the MSE has the responsibility and the right to monitor the current events, and whenever she/he receives knowledge of potential educational conflicts she/he can offer the assistance of MSE for the parties.

 

Please contact us if you would like more information:

Mediator of MSE: Dr. Krémer András kremer.andras@ofi.hu

Secretary: Kalányos Zsolt kalanyos.zsolt@ofi.hu

 

Address: Hungary, H-1055 Budapest, Szalay u. 10-14. 532.

Telephone: +36-1-235 7284, +36-1-222 3750

Telefax: +36-1-235 7283

Mailto: oksz@ofi.hu

Website: http://oksz.ofi.hu