This article describes research that explored student and teacher
perceptions and management of conflict within the primary school
context. It was found that both teachers and students shared
similarities in their views of conflict and in their management of
interpersonal problems at school. Conflict was generally perceived
to be a negative phenomenon. In addition teachers and students
commonly used a limited range of strategies, relying mostly on
familiar and reactive conflict management techniques. Resolving
conflict though compromising and problem solving was rare.
Student and teacher perceptions of conflict accounted for their
handling of conflict. The need to re-consider the value of conflict
as positive for learning and living within and beyond the school is
raised.