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Mission: The Justice League – Solve the School Conflict!

Students become a Youth Justice Team. They investigate a realistic school conflict, examine different perspectives and propose a fair solution. They discover that peace is not simply the absence of arguments, but also the ability to listen, respect rights and resolve disagreements fairly.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY PLAN

TOPIC:

Mission: The Justice League – Solve the School Conflict!

CLASS / DURATION / PREPARED BY:

Grades 8; 1 lesson; Prepared by: Zita Nichtová, English teacher, ZŠ ŠS Starý Tekov

 

LEARNING TASK

Students become a Youth Justice Team. They investigate a realistic school conflict, examine different perspectives and propose a fair solution. They discover that peace is not simply the absence of arguments, but also the ability to listen, respect rights and resolve disagreements fairly.

GOALS ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL CURRICULUM

  • Understand the importance of fairness, justice and peaceful conflict resolution.
  • Recognise different perspectives and respect the rights of others.
  • Develop critical thinking, communication and decision-making skills.
  • Use English to discuss problems and suggest solutions.

General Competences

  1. Communication: Express opinions, listen actively and explain arguments.
  2. Critical thinking: Analyse situations and evaluate possible solutions.
  3. Social and civic competence: Respect different viewpoints and make responsible decisions.

Subject Competences

  1. Understand and use vocabulary related to peace, justice, rights, rules and responsibility.
  2. Describe a conflict and suggest possible solutions in English.
  3. Present and justify a fair decision using arguments.

Integration with Other Subjects

  • Civic Education: Human rights, fairness, rules and responsibilities.
  • Ethics: Empathy, respect and peaceful communication.
  • Informatics: Responsible online behaviour and digital citizenship.
  • English: Giving opinions, agreeing, disagreeing and suggesting solutions.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Conflict scenario cards, paper and pens, board or interactive whiteboard, optional: sticky notes

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Activity 1 – The Case File: Who Is Right?  ( 12 min.)

Present this situation to the class:

A student creates a funny meme about a classmate and shares it in a class group chat. Some students laugh, others feel uncomfortable, and the student in the meme asks for it to be removed. The creator says, “It was only a joke!”

In small groups, students discuss:

  • Who is affected by the situation?
  • Is it fair to call it just a joke?
  • What rights and responsibilities are involved?
  • What additional information would you need before making a decision?

Useful English phrases:

  • “In my opinion…”
  • “I understand your point, but…”
  • “The student has the right to…”
  • “One possible solution is…”

Teacher’s tip: Avoid asking students to name real classmates or recount personal incidents. Focus on the fictional case.

Activity 2 – The Youth Justice Council  ( 20 min. )

Divide students into groups of four or five. Each group becomes a Youth Justice Council responsible for recommending a fair solution to the case.

Assign roles:

  • The Chairperson: Keeps the discussion respectful and organised.
  • The Student A Representative: Explains the perspective of the student who created the meme.
  • The Student B Representative: Explains the perspective of the student featured in the meme.
  • The Rights Adviser: Identifies rights, responsibilities and possible harm.
  • The Mediator: Helps the group find a peaceful solution.

Each council must agree on a decision and prepare a short report answering:

  1. What should happen next?
  2. How can the affected student be supported?
  3. What should the creator do to take responsibility?
  4. What could prevent similar situations in the future?

Groups present their decisions. The class compares the solutions and discusses which ones are fair, proportionate and respectful.

Important principle: Fairness does not always mean giving everyone the same outcome. It means considering the circumstances, rights and needs of those involved.

Activity 3 – Design a Fairer School  ( 13 min.)

Challenge students to become school improvement advisers.

Each group invents one practical rule or procedure that could make school life more peaceful, fair or inclusive. It might concern online communication, reporting bullying, listening to student opinions or resolving disagreements.

Their proposal must include:

  • The problem: What needs to improve?
  • The solution: What should the school do?
  • Fairness: How will the rule protect people’s rights?
  • Accountability: Who will make sure it works?

Groups present their ideas in a one-minute pitch. The class votes for the proposal that is most practical, fair and respectful.

Finish with an individual exit ticket:

“Peace and justice at school begin when we…”

REFLECTION AND ASSESSMENT

Assess students through their participation in the council discussion, their ability to consider different perspectives and the quality of their proposed solution.

Exit-ticket questions:

  1. What is the difference between punishment and a fair solution?
  2. Why is listening to both sides important?
  3. What makes an institution trustworthy?

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

  • Explain why peace, justice and accountability matter.
  • Identify different perspectives in a conflict.
  • Recommend a fair and peaceful solution.
  • Suggest one practical improvement to make their school community more inclusive and respectful.

Final slogan: “Listen. Be Fair. Build Peace.”