Using Tomorrow's Headlines for Today's Training: Creating Pseudo-Reality in Conflict Resolution Simulation-Games

Abstract

This article introduces the "pseudo-reality" method of constructing and conducting conflict resolution training workshops. This method focuses on creating a backdrop against which participants engage in negotiation and mediation skill-building, using real-life events and facts - but only to the extent that these events and facts promote the learning process. By creating pseudo-reality, trainers can overcome learning-hampering effects resulting from participants' strong preconceptions or bias on a topic, while at the same time preserving the advantages of working within a familiar, realistic environment. This method is meant to be used when the main goal of a workshop is skill-building rather than imparting substantive knowledge of a conflict. The method is demonstrated by describing its use at a workshop conducted recently in Cyprus, in which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict served as a backdrop for conflict resolution skill-building. Finally, the article provides a model designed to help conflict resolution trainers create pseudo-reality in their own workshop frameworks.

Keywords: Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Israel, Palestine, Israeli-Palestinian, Israel-Palestine, Simulation, Simulation-games, Design, Simulation design, Pseudo-reality, Training, Skills