Curiosity: A Powerful Tool for Constructive Conflict Management

What is it about?

We know a lot about how curiosity promotes intellectual learning but comparatively little about how curiosity aids in social problem-solving. In this article, I use theories from the sociology of emotions to explore how teachers use curiosity to address classroom conflicts in positive ways. I use three cases that I observed inside of classrooms to demonstrate how teachers utilise curiosity to reframe, stimulate and transform conflicts with their students. I conclude by discussing how teachers accomplish curiosity in concert with students who actively participate in both the conflict resolution process as well as how emotions are experienced during that process.

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Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These findings demonstrate how teachers, who work under incredibly stressful and demanding conditions, can respond to classroom conflict in ways that promote positive change and development. Results are important for curiosity researchers because they demonstrate curiosity-in-context as well as three different ways that curiosity affects conflict situations. Findings are also important for emotion researchers because they shed light on the dynamics that enable and support curiosity as a means of problem-solving with social partners.

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