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

Christos Zagkos, Georgios Ladias

Abstract


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.

 

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


restorative justice, school climate, restorative practices, mediation, school discipline

Full Text:

PDF

References


Ahmed, E., & Braithwaite, V. (2012). Learning to manage shame in school bullying: Lessons for restorative justice interventions. Critical Criminology, 20(1), 79–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-011-9151-y

Ahmed, E., Harris, N., Braithwaite, V., & Braithwaite, J. (2016). Shame Management Through Reintegration. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from https://johnbraithwaite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Shame-Management-through-Reint.pdf

American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health. (2013). Out-of-school suspension and expulsion. Pediatrics, 131(e1000–e1007). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.112.5.1206

American Psychological Association Zero Tolerance Task Force. (2008). Are zero tolerance policies effective in the schools? An evidentiary review and recommendations. American Psychologist, 63(852–862). https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.9.852

Anyon, Y., Gregory, A., Stone, S., Farrar, J., Jenson, J. M., McQueen, J., Downing, B., Greer, E., & Simmons, J. (2016). Restorative interventions and school discipline sanctions in a large urban school district. American Educational Research Journal, 53(6), 1663-1697. https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831216675719

Bazemore, G. (2000). Community justice and a vision of collective efficacy: The case of restorative conferencing. Criminal Justice, 3, 225–297. Retrieved from http://www.antoniocasella.eu/restorative/Bazemore_2000.pdf

Bodine, R. J., & Crawford, D. K. (1998). The handbook of conflict resolution education: A guide to building quality programs in schools. Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Handbook+of+Conflict+Resolution+Education%3A+A+Guide+to+Building+Quality+Programs+in+Schools-p-9780787910969

Bonell, C., Allen, E., Christie, D., Elbourne, D., Fletcher, A., Grieve, R., LeGood, R., Mathiot, A., Scott, S., Wiggins, M., et al. (2014). Initiating change locally in bullying and aggression through the school environment (INCLUSIVE): Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials, 15, 381. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-15-381

Bonell, C., Allen, E., Warren, E., McGowan, J., Bevilacqua, L., Jamal, F., Legood, R., Wiggins, M., Opondo, C., & Mathiot, A., et al. (2018). Effects of the Learning Together intervention on bullying and aggression in English secondary schools (INCLUSIVE): A cluster randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 392(10163), 2452-2464. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31782-3

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://ktpu.kpi.ua/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/social-research-methods-alan-bryman.pdf

Bush, R. A. B., & Folger, J. P. (1994). The Promise of Mediation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Bush, R. A. B., & Folger, J. P. (2005). The Promise of Mediation. The Transformative Approach to Conflict. New and Revised Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from https://books.google.be/books/about/The_Promise_of_Mediation.html?id=ra33EB_wjGkC&redir_esc=y

Carlos., J., Seijo, T., & González, A.G. (2008). Investigación evaluativa sobre el programa de mediación de conflictos en centros escolares Assesment of a mediation programme for conflict resolution in schools in the Community of Madrid.

Costa, E.P., Torrego Seijo, J.C., & Martins, A.M. (2018). Mediação escolar: a análise qualitativa da dimensão interpessoal/ social de um projeto de intervenção numa escola TEIP. Revista Lusófona de Educação. DOI:10.24140/ISSN.1645-7250.RLE40.07

Darling-Hammond, S. (2023). Fostering Belonging, Transforming Schools: The Impact of Restorative Practices. https://doi.org/10.54300/169.703

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4η έκδοση). SAGE Publications. Retrieved from https://revistapsicologia.org/public/formato/cuali2.pdf

EFRJ (European Forum for Restorative Justice). (2018). Expanding the restorative imagination. Restorative justice between realities and visions in Europe and beyond. In Proceedings of the 10th International EFRJ Conference, Tirana, Albania, 14–16 June. Retrieved from https://www.toa-servicebuero.de/fortbildung/veranstaltungen/efrj-conference-expanding-restorative-imagination-restorative-justice

European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ). (2018). Expanding the restorative imagination. In Proceedings of the 10th International EFRJ Conference, Tirana, Albania, 14–16 June 2018.

González, T., Sattler, H., & Buth, A. J. (2018). New directions in whole-school restorative justice implementation. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 36(3), 207–220. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21236

Goodpaster, G. (1997). A guide to negotiation and mediation. New York: Transnational Publishers Inc. Retrieved from https://books.google.be/books/about/A_Guide_to_Negotiation_and_Mediation.html?id=WEkzzwEACAAJ&hl=en&output=html_text&redir_esc=y

Green, A. E., Willging, C. E., Zamarin, K., Dehaiman, L. M., & Ruiloba, P. (2019). Cultivating healing by implementing restorative practices for youth: Protocol for a cluster randomized trial. International Journal of Educational Research, 93, 168-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2018.11.005

Gregory, A., Clawson, K., Davis, A., & Gerewitz, J. (2015). The promise of restorative practices to transform teacher-student relationships and achieve equity in school discipline. Journal of Educational Psychology Consultation, 25(4), 325-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/10474412.2014.929950

Hashim, A. K., Strunk, K. O., & Dhaliwal, T. K. (2018). Justice for all? Suspension bans and restorative justice programs in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Peabody Journal of Education, 93(2), 174–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2018.1435040

Hopkins, B. (2002). Restorative justice in schools. Support for Learning, 17(144–149). https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.00254

Ingraham, C. L., Hokoda, A., Moehlenbruck, D., Karafin, M., Manzo, C., & Ramirez, D. (2016). Consultation and collaboration to develop and implement restorative practices in a culturally and linguistically diverse elementary school. Journal of Educational Psychology Consultation, 26(4), 354–384. https://doi.org/10.1080/10474412.2015.1124782

Ingraham, C., Morrow, S., Epstein, E., & Lowe, G. (2019). Building Collaborative School Communities Through Restorative Practices. Educational Leadership, 77(3), 24–29.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1996). Conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in elementary and secondary schools: A review of the research. Review of Educational Research, 66(4), 459-506. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543066004459

Johnstone, G., & Van Ness, D. W. (2007). Handbook of restorative justice. Willan Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781843926191

Karakiozis, K., & Papakitsos, E.C. (2018). Attitudes of Teachers Who Implement School Mediation Programmes. International Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.30560/ier.v1n2p16

Kehoe, M., Bourke-Taylor, H. & Broderick, D. Developing student social skills using restorative practices: a new framework called H.E.A.R.T. Soc Psychol Educ 21, 189–207 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-017-9402-1

Liebmann, M. (1996). Mediation in schools: Peer mediation and conflict resolution. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

McCold, P. (2005). A Barebones Causal Theory of Restorative Justice. In Proceedings of the IIRP’s 6th International Conference on Conferencing, Circles and other Restorative Practices, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, 3–5 March 2005. International Institute for Restorative Practices. Retrieved from www.realjustice.org

McCold, P., & Wachtel, T. (2003, August 10-15). In pursuit of paradigm: A theory of restorative justice. In Proceedings of the XIII World Congress of Criminology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. International Institute for Restorative Practices. http://www.iirp.edu/pdf/paradigm.pdf

Moore, C. M. (2003). The mediation process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict (2nd Ed). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. In Mourier, P., & Smith, M. E., (eds.), 2001. Conquering organizational change: How to succeed where most companies fail. Atlanta: CEP Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.be/books/about/The_Mediation_Process.html?id=D_RHzwEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Morrison, B. (2002). Bullying and victimisation in schools: A restorative justice approach. Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, (219), 1-6. https://www.aic.gov.au

National Open University of Nigeria. (2006). Theories in Conflict Management. Course Guide. Victoria Island, Lagos. Retrieved from https://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/PCR%20811.pdf

Noaks, J., & Noaks, L. (2009). School‐based peer mediation as a strategy for social inclusion. Pastoral Care in Education, 27(1), 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/02643940902731880

Noltemeyer, A. L., Ward, R. M., & McLoughlin, C. S. (2015). Relationship between school suspension and student outcomes: A meta-analysis. School Psychology Review, 44(224–240). https://doi.org/10.17105/spr-14-0008.1

Noltemeyer, A., & McLoughlin, C. S. (2010). Patterns of exclusionary discipline by school typology, ethnicity and their interaction. Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education, 7(27–40). Retrieved from https://urbanedjournal.gse.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/pdf_archive/PUE-Summer2010-V7I1-pp27-40.pdf

Norris, H. (2019). The impact of restorative approaches on well-being: An evaluation of happiness and engagement in schools. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 36(3), 221–234 https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21242

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1-13 https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847

Parker, C., & Bickmore, K. (2020). Classroom peace circles: Teachers’ professional learning and implementation of restorative dialogue. Teaching and Teacher Education, 95, 103129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103129

Patrizi, P. (2019). La giustizia riparativa. In Psicologia e Diritto per il Benessere di Persone e Comunità. Carocci.

Paylor, I. (2015). Restorative justice in practice – Evaluating what works for victims and offenders. Security Journal, 28(1), 105–106. https://doi.org/10.1057/sj.2012.26

Payne, A. A., & Welch, K. (2010). Modeling the effects of racial threat on punitive and restorative school discipline practices. Criminology, 48(4), 1019-1062. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2010.00211.x

R. Portia, A. Saravanan, Alangaram, T., Florence, T., & P. Elavarasu (2020). Impact of Restorative Justice on High School Students: In Psychological Perspective. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 9, 454-460.

Peurača, B., & Vejmelka, L. (2015). Non-violent conflict resolution in peer interactions: Croatian experience of peer mediation in schools. Social Work Review, 4, 123–143. Retrieved from http://www.swreview.ro/index.pl/non-violent_conflict_resolution_in_peer_interactions_croatian_experience_of_peer_mediation_in_schools

Reimer, K. E. (2020). “Here, it’s like you don’t have to leave the classroom to solve a problem”: How restorative justice in schools contributes to students’ individual and collective sense of coherence. Social Justice Research, 33(4), 406–427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11211-020-00358-5

Rotărescu, V.S. (2021). Mediation in Schools. Research Anthology on School Shootings, Peer Victimization, and Solutions for Building Safer Educational Institutions. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1427-6.ch005

Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2005). Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data. Sage Publications. Retrieved from https://methods.sagepub.com/book/mono/qualitative-interviewing/toc

Sandwick, T., Hahn, J. W., & Ayoub, L. H. (2019). Fostering community, sharing power: Lessons for building restorative justice school cultures. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 27(145). https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.27.4296

Singla, D.R., Shinde, S., Patton, G.C., & Patel, V. (2020). The Mediating Effect of School Climate on Adolescent Mental Health: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of a School-Wide Intervention. The Journal of adolescent health: official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.09.030

Skrzypek, C., Bascug, E. W., Ball, A., Kim, W., & Elze, D. (2020). In their own words: Student perceptions of restorative practices. Children & Schools, 42(4), 245–253. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/cdaa011

Todic, J., Cubbin, C., Armour, M., Rountree, M., & Gonzalez, T. (2020). Reframing school-based restorative justice as a structural population health intervention. Health & Place, 62, 102-289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102289

UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). (2008). Handbook on Restorative Justice Programs. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/20-01146_Handbook_on_Restorative_Justice_Programmes.pdf

Wall, J. A., Stark, J. B., & Standifer, R. L. (2001). Mediation: A Current Review and Theory Development. The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 45(3), 370–391. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3176150

Warren, J., Apicella, T., & Clark, C. (2019). The restorative justice revolution: Enhancing student well-being and mental health. Educational Research Quarterly, 43(1), 35-50.

Welch, K., & Payne, A. A. (2010). Racial threat and punitive school discipline. Social Problems, 57(25–48). https://doi.org/10.1525/sp.2010.57.1.25

Welch, K., & Payne, A. A. (2012). Exclusionary school punishment: The effect of racial threat on expulsion and suspension. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 10(155–171). https://doi.org/10.1177/1541204011423766

Wong, D. S. W., Cheng, C. H. K., Ngan, R. M. H., & Ma, S. K. (2011). Program effectiveness of a restorative whole-school approach for tackling school bullying in Hong Kong. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 55(6), 846-862. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X10374638

Wright, M. (1999). Restoring respect for justice. Waterside Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.be/books/about/Restoring_Respect_for_Justice.html?id=ogyZhHS1KJkC&redir_esc=y

Wright, M. (2002). The paradigm of restorative justice. VOMA Connect, Research and Practice Supplement II. http://voma.org/docs/connect11insert.pdf

Wright, M. (2010). Towards a restorative society: A problem-solving response to harm. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://www.antoniocasella.eu/restorative/Wright_restorative_justice_2010.pdf

Zehr, H. (1990). Changing lenses: A new focus for crime and justice. Herald Press. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/e4j/data/_university_uni_/changing_lenses_a_new_focus_for_crime_and_justice.html?lng=en

Zehr, H. (1995). Justice paradigm shift? Values and visions in the reform process. Mediation Quarterly, 12, 207–216. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.3900120303

Zehr, H. (2002). The little book of restorative justice (1st ed.). Good Books. Retrieved from https://www.saferspaces.org.za/uploads/files/littlebookrjpakaf.pdf




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i1.5756

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Christos Zagkos, Georgios Ladias

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2015-2026. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).