WHEN KIDS ARE AFRIADUsing a Student Response System for Bully Prevention Programs

Introduction

Bullying has become an epidemic. Aggressive, repetitive and unwanted behavior among children and young adults is rising throughout our nation’s schools and has the potential to cause lasting, serious damage to those afflicted. Intimidation, threats, slander, exclusion and verbal and physical attacks are examples of what thousands of children endure on a daily basis. Educating students about what bullying is; what it looks like; how to report it; and how to stop it; is becoming a top priority for parents, teachers and administrators.

According to the U.S. Department of Education (2011), in 2009, 28 percent of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the academic year. Suicide amongst children and teenagers is gradually rising and a correlation has been made between bullying and suicide. A Yale study suggests that bullied victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims (Bullying Statistics, 2009).

Bullying can be prevented. Parents expect school grounds to be a safe environment for their children. Schools are expected to deal with bullying in an effective manner. As teachers and administrators learn to deal with the cause, effects and prevention of bullying, they are aware that it is not enough to deal only with the perpetrator. The best program is one that is on-going, school-wide and community-based. Turning Technologies’ provides an ideal solution for this type of program. The company’s TurningPoint polling software and ResponseCard (clicker) solution can be used in tandem to gather anonymous feedback from students, parents and staff; providing a safe avenue to deliver honest, positive feedback about bullying in their school.

Break the Silence

Clickers promote active participation, engagement and discussion among all students, even those who might not participate in typical class-wide discussions. When discussing sensitive topics – such as bullying – it is important to have a system in place that motivates students to freely participate. Without the safety of anonymity, educators may not obtain a true representation of the issues surrounding their school.

Turning Technologies is the global leader in the student response industry and provides innovative solutions that meet the goals of educators, but are simple for students and economical for administrators. Because ResponseCards are cost-effective, easy-to-use and the TurningPoint software is free, districts can easily integrate a system that allows students to provide honest feedback on issues within the school. Teachers and administrators can be made aware of present issues and a solution can be identified.

ResponseCard Benefits

Student response technology has been used for over 15 years; starting in classrooms as early as kindergarten and continuing into higher education lecture halls. With such an invested interest, clickers have been a heavily researched topic. This research consistently validates the ability of such technology to positively influence student learning outcomes. ResponseCards provide the following benefits when partnered with curriculum, such as an Anti-Bullying Campaign.

• AnonymousEngagement: When given the opportunity to respond safely with anonymity, students will provide honest feedback. This feedback can lead to powerful conversations that can create resolutions and ease fears. The feedback also provides information to school leaders as to the true nature of the problem within the unique school environment.

• ActiveLearning: Instead of simply receiving information verbally or visually, students are actively engaged in the lesson and can respond safely to sensitive topics. Instructors can easily ensure that each participant is involved in the lesson and comprehending the material. Using a clicker system guarantees 100% participation from all learners.

• FeedbackandUnderstanding: When viewing personal and peer results, student anxiety and fear are lessened when their views are validated and shared by others in the classroom. This helps build a sense of community and trust among students and staff.

• DataRecording: Because the Turning Technologies software records data in individual sessions, data analysis is simple and secure. It is easy to see where students and parents may be concerned about a certain topic. Data can also be compared from one session to another; linking the feedback from two or more separate audiences.

• Ease: ResponseCards are so easy to use that students of all ages can easily participate in discussions, role-playing simulations and assessments. Portable, durable and dependable, make ResponseCards perfect for any PTA or school board meeting.

Resources

U.S. Department of Education. (2011). Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2011. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/programs/crimeindicators/crimeindicators2011/key.asp

Bullying Statistics. (2009). Bullying and Suicide. Retrieved from http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html