Educational Media Reviews Online

Elbow Room is a short animated video that provides a common sense solution to conflicts: negotiation and compromise. The well-done film presents four different scenarios for resolving a conflict. The conflict occurs when two people begin working at the same table. As in real life, each person brings their own personality and way of doing things to the table and that causes distress for the other. Each scenario for dealing with the problem is carried out beautifully. Unlike in real life, the film rewinds to the point prior to the conflict and the character try’s another solution. Through compromise and negotiation, the characters resolve their issues and are able to function in their roles.

Although the video is focused on workplace conflict, with the proper instruction it could be adapted to fit almost any situation.

The characters speak in a mumbled way which somewhat detracts from the film. Despite this however, the viewer is able to understand, through the characters actions, what is going on. The piece is well thought out and conceived. The viewer goes away with the lesson that conflict, with compromise and negotiation, can be resolved in a peaceful manner.

The video comes with a guide offering suggestions for using the video in both the workplace and the classroom.

This video is recommended for grades 6-12, colleges and adults. Media Centers and public libraries would benefit from this video in their collection. Human Resource Departments across the board would benefit by including this video in their training sessions.