Soft, hard, solve the problem - How does the student learn to make choices about how to approach conflict and resolve a dispute? That's what lesson 7 is all about!

REVIEW APPROACHES - A summary of the hard, soft and solve the problem approaches to conflict is presented with the considerable benefits of using an Interest-based (principled) approach in most situations.

THINK BEFORE ACTING - Students are given another overview of the value of thinking before acting, with guidelines for a quick process to use when action must be taken quickly.

MAKE PRODUCTIVE DECISIONS - While this is a reminder about many of the skills already taught, new material emphasizes the process of:

· Defining the problem - making sure you're working on the right situation (generally interests!).

· Generating alternatives - being creative and looking for as many possibilities as both people can identify

· Evaluating consequences - looking at information that is available about what might happen with any alternative under consideration

· Selecting the course of action - choosing what appears to be the best, "doable" alternative with the best potential outcome and fewest drawbacks