IMPLEMENTING RESTORATIVE PRACTICES IN GREEK SECONDARY EDUCATION: INSIGHTS FROM THE EPIRUS REGION

This study explores educators' perspectives on implementing restorative justice practices, specifically school mediation, within the High Schools of Epirus, Greece. It aims to enrich the scientific discussion on conflict resolution and school climate enhancement. Focusing on two primary objectives, the study first seeks to capture teachers' views on mediation's effectiveness in managing conflicts and reducing bullying while also fostering a positive, cooperative environment within schools. Secondly, it examines the practical challenges and barriers to the effective application of restorative practices in educational settings. The methodology employed in this study follows a qualitative research design, focusing on analyzing teachers' perspectives on school mediation through thematic content analysis. The study utilizes semi-structured interviews to gain in-depth insights into the experiences and viewpoints of ten (10) principals and teachers in the Epirus Region who perform the role of mediators in High Schools. The sample, selected through convenience sampling, comprises ten educators with direct involvement in mediation processes within their schools. Data were processed using thematic analysis, which facilitated the identification of recurring themes and patterns that reflect the teachers’ experiences and perceptions. Findings reveal that while educators acknowledge the benefits of training, they emphasize the crucial role of personal skills, including communication and empathy, in successful mediation. The study also identifies specific barriers, such as parental resistance and entrenched cultural biases, that hinder the mediation process. Notably, mediation is shown to uncover deeper social issues within the school environment, indicating the complex layers that affect student behavior and conflict. This research underlines the significant influence of teacher personality in mediation success and highlights the need for ongoing parental involvement to support sustainable improvements in school climate.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0801/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>