J. Appl. Environ. Biol. Sci., 4(8S)371-379, 2014 © 2014, TextRoad Publication ISSN: 2090-4274 Journal of Applied Environmental and Biological Sciences www.textroad.com * Corresponding Author: Fazli Khaliq, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan Pakistan. khaliq78@yahoo.com Impact of School Environment on Conflict Resolution Skills Development of Students Fazli Khaliq, Abdul Ghaffar, Amir Zaman, Syed Saeed & Sajjad Hussain Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan Pakistan Received: September 1, 2014 Accepted: November 13, 2014 ABSTRACT The study concentrated on the relationship between school and social skills development of the students. Objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship between school and social skills development of students at secondary level, to investigate the effect of school on students’ basic social skills, to analyze the effects of school on peace promoting skills and to ascertain the effect of school on students’ conflict skills. None directional hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. All the students of class 10 th and SSTs of secondary schools of district Mardan were the population of the study. Through random sampling techniques fifty two SSTs and one hundred and fifty six 10 th class students constituted the sample of the study. Data were collected through two questionnaires, one for the teachers and the other for students. Both the research instruments were pilot tested on a sample of 15 students and 4 SSTs. Data were collected and were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 16. Mean, STD deviation, Pearson Co-relation and linear regression were applied to analyze and interpret the data. Findings of the study illustrated that school has significant effect on the social skills of students; a very insignificant effect was calculated on the problem solving, tolerance and appreciative skills of students. It was recommended that teachers and other responsible personnel should use all the means to ensure the development of students’ social skills. KEYWORDS; school environment, teachers, social skills, development, students 1. INTRODUCTION School is a place where children are brought together every day for a greater part of their lives. They might have the same ages, same abilities, same attainments and same outlook. These similarities heighten the consciousness of mind and develop the fellowship bonds among children. But the real basic factors at work are the inner forces and the tendencies of social characters. These are called social skills that move the students powerfully and compel them for companionship and co-operation of fellows. School produces social characteristics like unity, continuity, docility, submissiveness, progress, development, changes- physical, emotional and mental and social adjustment. This adjustment is effected smoothly consciously or unconsciously in numerous cases, as child is by nature flexible, susceptible, easily persuaded, easily molded, and ready to receive impression [1]. Social skills are those which are learnt and adopted in the company of others. The best source for the development of social skills is interaction with others. Some of them are very simple and fundamental like greeting, smiling, making acquaintance and establishing social contacts. But some are complicated like negotiation in conflicts. The achievement and development of these skills are easy for some people while difficult for others. Popularity is gained through good social skills. Participation in social gathering to remove shyness, making friendship, being co-operative, showing sympathy in distress, good conversation with others. The definition of social skills in social and emotional learning environment is appealing one. One can manage and recognize one’s emotions. He also becomes very caring for others. He has concerns for others. He makes sound relationship with others. He becomes responsible for making good decisions. He gains good experience through them. He becomes able to properly handle the threatening and difficult situations positively, beneficially, decently and morally[2]. According to Rao and Murray Social skills in childhood connected to positive outcomes[3]. Those who do not have gregarious abilities, they have no developed attitudes and they cannot bring association with others culturally and traditionally and then different types development are severely affected. Kids can observe the social challenges of their peers who have social learning disabilities. Some of our students can have a strong awareness of their own social skills shortcomings. Challenges are not outgrown by our students, but they have 371