Most conflicts will end in three different ways. Sometimes when we have conflicts with people we care about, they may seem really tough and emotionally draining. Knowing there will be an outcome at some point may make it seem less intimidating. Students may already be familiar with the terminology used in this activity, but it's important for them to create and solve scenarios involving each way conflict can be resolved. In this activity, students will create a storyboard visualizing win-win, win-lose, and lose-lose scenarios.
| Win - Win | Both parties are satisfied with the outcome of a conflict. |
|---|---|
| Win - Lose | One party is gets the desired outcome while the other does not. |
| Lose - Lose | Both parties are not satisfied with the outcome of the conflict. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a grid to show examples of a conflict and possible outcomes.
Engage students in a group conversation about real-world conflicts they have witnessed or experienced. Sharing relevant examples helps students connect classroom concepts to daily life and deepens understanding of conflict resolution strategies.
Begin by establishing norms for listening, sharing, and respecting each other's perspectives. Ground rules ensure everyone feels safe and valued during sensitive discussions.
Offer specific, age-appropriate conflict examples (like disagreements over group projects or sharing materials). Concrete situations help students reflect and respond thoughtfully.
Encourage students to analyze each scenario and decide if the resolution is win-win, win-lose, or lose-lose. This practice builds critical thinking and clarifies outcome differences.
Lead a discussion about how each outcome might make people feel and explore alternative solutions for a more positive result. Emotional insight supports empathy and collaborative problem-solving.
The three main outcomes of a conflict are win-win (both parties are satisfied), win-lose (one party is satisfied, the other is not), and lose-lose (neither party is satisfied). Understanding these outcomes helps students analyze and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Students can create scenarios by first identifying a conflict, then illustrating it using a grid or storyboard. For each outcome type—win-win, win-lose, and lose-lose—they describe and depict how the same conflict could resolve differently, showing the impact on all parties involved.
A win-win outcome in the classroom means both students or parties involved feel satisfied with the solution, such as when two students compromise and both get part of what they want. This fosters positive relationships and collaboration.
Understanding different conflict outcomes helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving skills. It prepares them to manage real-life disagreements more constructively and recognize the value of fair solutions.
An easy activity is having students create a conflict-outcome grid or storyboard. They visualize one conflict and show how it could result in win-win, win-lose, and lose-lose outcomes, using images and short descriptions.