Case
Fighting ESOL students

Two of my ESOL student from different countries start arguing about the civil unrest between their countries. They begin to push each other, just when principal walks in for observation. The principal breaks apart the students. What should I do at this point with my students?

Solution #1
You could talk to each student individually to discuss their concerns. Then have them together to conduct a mediation between the two.

to add, i feel like the principal should help you with taking the next steps as well, since they were there for that. To add, the students should definitely work on coming to a comprise and to discuss what they are feeling with meditation.

Solution #2
As unfortunate as this is, it's understandable that this occurs between students because they can't separate themselves from their culture, their history, and their experiences. However, it's possible to be culturally responsive and seek to build community within your classroom walls. You can research the conflict between their countries to gain a better understanding of the situation, and learn about the cultures and find ways to make meaningful experiences that resonate with them. It's important that your classroom is a safe environment; they need to know that you understand where they're coming from, but also that your classroom is a community where everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow. Try to incorporate trauma-informed practices, work with them on emotional regulation, let their perspectives be heard, and provide opportunities to build relationships.
Solution #3
First, I agreed with the other people saying to separate the students. Working with them one on one to explain that how they feel is valid is a good step in easing their frustration. You want them to understand that both cultures matter in the classroom and discussion is to be encouraged but when feelings become a little too strong, just to take a break. Cultures should be accepted and listened to, but in a community of students in the classroom that understand the level of respect it takes to listen to someones views who are different than your own. You can show them literature, videos or even demonstrate yourself on the proper way to communicate with one another in the classroom about cultures that are not alike and creating a level of respect between all students and their communication.
Solution #4
I would first assure that these students are separated and do not interact again until a solution can be found. I would review the classroom expectations and code of conduct not only with the students in the altercation, but with all of the students. Assure that students understand that consequences will be enforced if rules are broken, and that fighting with one another will not be tolerated.
Solution #5
Talk to the students together either before or after class. Also, make diversity more talked about. Maybe show some videos or read something about respecting different culture. Teaching inclusion will be a lifelong skill.
Solution #6
Culture is something deeply personal to each student, but it is also important that we teach students to see each other beyond their country of origin. I would have a conference with the students to help them try to find something that they have in common to try to build a bridge between them. Also, I would encourage the teacher to look into the particular cultural conflict and see if there would be a way to incorporate a respectful discussion of the different perspectives on the conflict in a way that would help these students develop empathy and respect for each other's differing opinions.
Solution #7
I would suggest talking to the students privately to understand each of their perspectives and later on bring them together to discuss how the interaction made each of them feel.
Solution #8
I would ensure to set a time apart to speak to both students first individually and then a time to have them share their perspectives together in a calm and more collected manner. This would allow students to express their views in a more controlled environment.
Solution #9
I would try to research the specific conflict between the countries that caused the fight and then, if appropriate, have a culture day in the classroom that incorporates those countries as well as others from students in the classroom. I would not single any student out ofcourse, but it would be a lesson on accepting all cultures and finding interesting things within each culture that we can learn. I think this might cause more peace and inclusion within the class.
Solution #10
Creating a safe and positive classroom culture should have been addressed before this fight started happening. Thank gosh the principal came in and broke up the fight. I have never experienced this inside a classroom before, however, I imagine that this is a big deal and may need to result in the students being split up into different classes since there is a lot of political ties and affiliations. I think you could take your students out of class and talk to them and everyone could have a meeting and discuss ways to help solve their issues.
Solution #11
It's important to speak to the whole class about the rules so they have an understanding of what it's expected for them to do. Speak to the students individually and also the parents.
Solution #12
This is such a tough problem because they look at each other and see years of fighting and hatred, and possibly even the reason they are both in America. It is important to make these students understand that it is not one or the other's fault that their countries are like this and that it is important to find unity and friendship in times like these.
Solution #13
I would have each student research each other countries and have them write 3 things that they found interesting or things that loved about each other countries just to break the ice. Then we would discuss what was the argument about.
Solution #14
You have a Revolution! VIVA la France! Politics will cause an argument or fight at any level. I would suggest you keep politics at bay and find how their countries contribute to the world.
Solution #15
First, I am so sorry you are having to go through this in your classroom. I would try having conversations with each of your students and expressing to them that they can feel the way they do, because we all have that right, but we have to also remember someone else might feel differently and that's okay.
Solution #16
I would talk to the students and explain the consequences of fighting. This situation is tough but you have to help them understand why they shouldn't fight.