Examining the relationship between teaching practices and peer victimization

Peer victimization negatively impacts academic, psychological, and physical functioning in children. Studies have shown that whether and how children defend their victimized peers has a significant impact on victims’ adjustment. By examining the dynamic between teachers and students in fourth and fifth-grade classrooms over three years, this project will look at the complex ways in which teachers’ characteristics, practices, and actions affect students’ beliefs and attitudes, the classroom ecology, and, victimization and defending behaviors.

Research findings will facilitate the development of teacher training programs, anti-bullying policies and classroom management strategies. Funded by NSF, the Co PIs on this project are Jina Yoon, Sheri Bauman, and Russ Toomey of Family and Consumer Sciences.