Functioning of the model of constructive mediation

The development of a constructive approach in the field of communication and education calls for the constructive approach to mediation as well. The problem is that the process of mediation is quite uniform and lacks a variety of stages and an opportunity to help clients to establish longitudinal dialogical relations. That is why the aim of the study is to reflect the basis of the Constructive mediation model (CMM) and describe its functioning. The methods of the study were theoretical analysis the model theories and five expert assessment of the model using Friedman test. The research was done investigating the findings on constructivism, conflict resolution, and philosophy of dialogue, communication, pedagogy, psychology and testology with the purpose to establish CMM. The study reveals that the model functioning is provided by the following eight phases as signing a contract with a mediator, clarifying of the conflict and constructs, data processing, learning for mediation, mediation process, searching/finding the conflict resolution, repeated survey and data processing, and self-assessment of the mediator’s action. The eight phases consist of such elements as setting of an aim, mediator’s and mediants’ roles, strategy, questionnaires, and achievable results. The definition of constructive mediation was substantiated. Five experts evaluated the usefulness of CMM in a mediator’s practice according to eight criteria and their evaluations were unanimously positive. 64 mediation participants and a mediator evaluated the process of mediation. The main conclusion is that CMM provides successful conflict solving using constructive approach emphasizing the mediants’ learning, self-assessment and dialogical techniques. The significance of the results is that it can be used successfully by the mediators who recognise constructivist approach in mediation taking into account the structure of the eight CMM phases and elements.