More commonly known as bullying, peer victimization affects nearly 90 percent of all school children today and poses a major obstacle to learning achievement (Rigby, Johnson, 2006). Recent trends by educators in addressing this problem has seen a shift away from viewing bullying in schools as the outcome of individual differences in physical strength or personality, towards seeing bullying in relation to the social or group context in which it occurs.
Emphasis now focuses on the social roles that bystanders of school bullying commonly adopt; where a reduction in bullying may be achieved by encouraging bystanders to engage in pro-social and intervening behavior to assist victims. The dilemma facing teachers today is how do we effectively approach improving student bystander behavior; and then appropriately integrate these efforts into our classroom teaching strategies and curriculum.
Please share and explain your ideas, opinions, and suggestions as to how I might promote action on the part of bystanders to intervene in the behalf of victims, through classroom activities, exercises, or lesson strategies.
I believe that one way teachers can help combat bullying is to have students work in groups more often. Do not let the student choose their partners. Rotate groups frequently so that everyone is exposed to one another.
ReplyDeleteTeachers should let the students interact more with each other on assignments. Such as doing projects outside of the classroom and choose the groups before hand. Get the students to exchange phone numbers and let the parents know what you are trying to do. This way if the students need to go to each others house or meet at a designated place parents will know what is going on. By doing this not only will students be doing school work but also forming social roles as well.
ReplyDeleteI think as a teacher, you should always be trying to incorporate character education and self-esteem education into your daily teaching routine. It is important to let them know that they need not take everything so seriously, although that is what high school is all about these days is DRAMA, DRAMA, and more DRAMA! But I have a personal motto I live by and that is Q-TIP: Quit Taking it Personally.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, bullying is typically a byproduct of low self esteem. Normally, one feels inferior and has to build himself/herself up by beating another down either physically or worse yet, emotionally. As a teacher, try to make it a point or motto in the class to build each other up. Give group assignments that bring individuals together and allow them to see each other’s strengths. Use words like “we” and “us” when speaking to the class so they have a feeling of interdependence and accountability to each other which hopefully will spill over outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteTeachers should emphasize the good things students do. We should point positive behavior and good attitudes. This type of positive reinforcement should help students build self esteem and the awareness of good behavior, which should lead to more students doing the right thing and not the cool thing.
ReplyDeletejmay
ReplyDeleteI could then create activities where my students could role play different situations; demonstrating possible responses reflective of good behavior. Appreciate the insight.
I think peer interaction and a no tolerance policy should be put in place to help prevent bullying. Students should be given the opportunity to build relationships with the people in their class. I also think that students should be given the opportunity encourage each other on a regular basis, whether it is a quick note to share something good they have done or the opportunity to cheer as they answer a question correctly in a test review. The more positive the atmosphere, the more positive the classroom as a whole.
ReplyDeleteAJ
ReplyDeletePeer interaction in the form of class discussion, where the teacher and students can share how bystanders can discourage bullying without taking unacceptable risks; through positive reinforcement and encouragement is a great idea. I am skeptical of "no tolerance" programs though, because they hardly involve adult observation; and therefore require students to "turn in" the offenders. That said, maybe a more positive atmosphere will promote communication of offenses and offenders to the appropriate authorities; might actually work too.
Actually, a child that was a student at my school last year committed suicide this week because of peer bullying in middle school. At our school, the child didn't bother anyone, was a good student, and made great grades. Apparently, the child went off to middle school and was bullyed by other students and couldn't take it anymore. I don't believe that we are preparing our students for the world as we should. It is a huge transformation from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. I think they should be more prepared for that transformation. I think that character education should be implemented into the curriculum more each day. I believe that a counselor should be more involved in our students personal lives, but now counselors are responsible for data collections, and other material that should not be handled by them. They are there to counsel our students and our staff and to be there for someone to be able to discuss personal things with. Our students aren't having anyone they can trust, and now the person they are supposed to be able to talk to at school is too busy doing other things that are not under their role as a counselor. I think teachers should implement character education into the students daily lives, whether it's a journal, or a trait of the day, or something where they can put a private note in a box if they need to talk to the teacher.
ReplyDeleteMP
ReplyDeleteHow moving; and how sad that story. This entire week CCN has chronicled Bullying in our schools; 5 Suicides this week alone. As you suggest, this problem exists outside the view of “would be” responsible adults; or is not priority-one for school counselors. We are taught as educators to provide a safe learning environment for our students, yet our efforts are often diverted or diluted by “administrative policies and procedures.” I think, especially after reading your comments, that bullying, peer-support, and responsible avoidance strategies should become part of the core-curriculum; not just a “special” additive or “event” offered twice annually! Teacher, administrator, parent & student should become actively engaged starting at the primary grade-levels. Repeatedly this week, law enforcement officials throughout the country have said: they are leaving the responsibility in addressing bullying with the schools & parents; not the DA’s office. Time we stand up and do what is right.