Lowry and Bridgesmith teach inaugural ICM class

Fourteen students entered the third floor classroom of the new Ezell Center to begin Survey of Conflict Management, a course designed to offer a basic introduction to the concepts, instruments, functions and theories of modern conflict management techniques. The course gives students information needed to better understand the basic personal, organizational, legal and practical problems facing the world of economic interaction today. 

The following are reactions to the first half of the first course just completed:

"This is not a class of individual students, but a team of conflict managers.  The importance of learning from one another based on our own personal stories is remarkable.  I look forward to continuing my work here at the Institute as I learn more about this amazing art."  Athletic coach

"The methodology employed by the Institute appeals to the adult learner because it is a strategic blend of text, lecture, handouts, web, small group, and dual learning experiences.  One class member mentioned that so many seminars we attend these days use PowerPoint presentations with the presenter reading and paraphrasing the slides.  After the seminar you come away realizing you could have read the PowerPoint slides and gathered the information on your own.  This is not the case with the ICM.  I eagerly anticipate future classes and seminars presented by the ICM. Thank you for this rich learning experience!"  Marketing manager

"This has been the most productive and effective educational experience I have ever had.  The focus of my peers is surpassed only by the instructors who demonstrate both a great deal of expertise and a strong passion for this field."  Graduate student

"This has been a great learning experience.  I am impressed by the knowledge of the instructors.  The format of the class makes me feel more like I am participating in a workshop, instead of a class.  Workshops are better learning environments for me, because they are more interactive, and they enable me to retain more."  Not-for-profit development officer

"Instructors are engaging and insightful.  Activities are interactive and group discussions are engaging and thought provoking.  This is unlike any educational experience.  I am very proud to be a part of this inaugural class.  The methods of teaching coincide with adult learning principles and are highly effective.  After the first class I was amazed at how much information I was able to retain."  Executive director child advocacy agency.

"Exhilarating!  Opened up a different way of thinking, yet it's not outside my capabilities.  I can't fathom learning this content in a more appropriate setting than what has been designed.  I am grateful to find out that this really is what I have been seeking.  I thought it was, but now I know that it is."  Executive director patient advocacy agency.

"This is a totally new area of information and set of skills for me.  It is amazing to see the amount of new information I have been able to retain in such a short amount of time.  The teaching approach put me at ease and has allowed, even invited me to be creative in my thinking."  Pastor and community coalition builder.

"I really appreciate the open class discussion and interchange of experience and perspective.  The hands-on teaching approach has made it easy to absorb a lot of new terms.  I am pleased to find that the program is not only for attorneys, but is made understandable to those without legal backgrounds."  Executive director victim rights agency

"This is the graduate program I’ve been searching for for 25 years. When I graduated from college in 1983, it was with the intention of continuing my academic interest in cross-cultural conflict resolution and getting some in-depth, hands-on experience in dispute settlement. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to try to pursue that interest within the confines of an international affairs program, but—although I learned a lot—the direction of the program didn’t match my goals very well and I graduated with one master’s degree and a whole lot of confusion about what to do next. I have had more inspiration in the first two days of class than in the entire 16 months of my previous master’s program. I feel profoundly fortunate that the ICM has graced the Nashville community and that I am a part of the first class. " PR Coordinator