Bully Prevention in Schools

An Online Graduate Course

Table of Contents

Course Description

The aim of this course is to create a classroom climate in which all students feel safe. One child in four is bullied at school. One in five admit bullying. Recently, a government report on school shootings showed that the only common trait among student shooters was that they all have a long history of being bullied. In schools where fear and anxiety are the norm, students can not learn and achieve.

In this course, teachers review the research on the causes and effects of bullying, as well as study best practices. In addition, they learn strategies for meeting the underlying needs of bullies.

Course Objectives

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Time Requirements

This course will be offered over a period of 13 weeks. The Introduction and Modules 1 through 9 will be completed one per week. Module 10 will be completed over a two-week period so students will have time to revise and complete the final integration project.

Skill and Hardware Requirements

Students are expected to have a very basic knowledge of how to use an Internet browser such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or America Online (AOL). Students should also be familiar with e-mail and have an active e-mail account and Internet access. In addition, students should possess basic word processing skills.

Students may use either a Macintosh computer or a PC with Windows 95 or higher. Teachers may use either Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, or the latest version of AOL as their browser. Teachers may download Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer at no cost.

Course Materials

The required textbook for this course is The Bully Free Classroom by Allan L. Beane. The textbook and course materials will be provided for all students. In addition, selected Web resources will be read and reviewed.

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Course Outline

Module I
Debunking the Myths
Module II
Identifying Different Types of Bullying Behavior
Objective: To be aware of common misconceptions regarding bullies.

Content:

  1. Overview
  2. Requirements and Expectations
  3. Setting Personal Goals
  4. A Definition of Bullying
  5. Facts and Myths Regarding Bullying
 Objective: Recognize and identify incidences of bullying and identify its various types, styles and forms.

Content:

  1. Strategies for Identifying Bully Behavior at School
  2. Direct Forms of Bullying: Open Attacks; Name-Calling; Threats
  3. Indirect Bullying: Exclusion, Isolation, Rejection, Gossip
  4. Repeated Abuse Versus Isolated Incidences
  5. Verbal Versus Physical Bullying
  6. Sexual
  7. Racial
Module III
The Consequences of Bullying
Module IV
Characteristics of Bullies and Victims
Objective: Become aware of both the short and long-term consequences of ignoring bullying.

Content:

  1. Personal Testaments
  2. Statistics
  3. The Bullying Cycle
  4. Distress in Victim
  5. Classroom Effect
 Objective: Identify the characteristics of bullies and their victims.

Content:

  1. Bullies: Who are They?
  2. What Makes Bullies Tick?
  3. The True Needs of Bullies
  4. Victims: Why Do They Get Picked On?
  5. Warning Signs
Module V
Classroom Surveys
Module VI
The Role of Collusion
Objective: Review bullying behaviors in the classroom.

Content:

  1. Classroom Surveys
  2. This Week in School
  3. Bullying Survey
  4. Reactions To The Results
  5. Intervention/Prevention Strategies
 Objective: Identify collusion and its role in the bullying cycle.

Content:

  1. Collusion: What Does It Sound And Look Like In Your Classroom?
  2. Silent Collusion: What To Do About It
  3. Taking The Power Away From Negative Collusion
  4. Positive Collusion And How It Can Help Create A Classroom Environment That Is Safe For Everyone
Module VII
Creating a Safe Classroom Environment
Module VIII
Creating a Safe School Environment
Objective: Learn strategies for creating a classroom environment where everyone feels safe, accepted, and contributing members of the classroom.

Content:

  1. Dialogues With Students About Bullying Behavior
  2. Strategies For Building Acceptance Among Students
  3. Building Empathy
  4. Confronting Bullies
  5. Using I-Messages
  6. Tips On Establishing Classroom Rules With Students
  7. Getting Students Involved With Service Projects
 Objective: Learn the core elements of a comprehensive school-wide approach to bullying.

Content:

  1. Accessing The Extent Of Bullying In Your School
  2. Developing A School-Wide Plan For The Prevention And Intervention
  3. Parental Involvement
  4. Involving The Community
Module IX
Strategies for Parents of Bullies and Victims
Module X
Final Integration Project and Final Exams
Objective: Identify approaches for parents who are dealing with a child who is being bullied or who is a bully.

Content:

  1. Why Is Bullying Harmful?
  2. Why Some Children Bully?
  3. If Your Child Is Being Bullied
  4. If You Child Is A Bully
  5. 20 Things To Do Instead Of Hurting Someone
  6. Ways To Stay Bully Free
  7. "What Should You Do" Quiz For Kids
 Objective: Post final integration projects on research and application of best practices in the Forum.

Content:

  1. Final Projects
  2. Final Exam
  3. Course Evaluation
  4. The "Real" Final Exam

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Grading Criteria

Assignment
Points
Forum Discussions 30
Reading Reflections 20
Final Integration Project 30
Final Exam 20
Total Points 100

Grading Scale
93 - 100A
85 - 92B
77 - 84C

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Student Requirements

  1. Actively participate in all Forum activities.

  2. Complete all reading assignments. Keep a word processed journal, reflecting upon the major ideas in the assigned readings and the application of those ideas in your school and classroom. This journal should have a minimum of five entries of 200 - 300 words each and will be e-mailed to the instructor.

  3. Complete the Final Integration Project. Review research and literature on bullying and identify several major findings or themes. Based on these key research themes, design a unit of study for your students, addressing the issue of bullying. This unit should consist of 5 lessons, each containing a list of objectives and a description of activities and content.

  4. Pass a final exam.

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