Share Paper: Using Virtual Roleplay Modules to Develop Teacher Candidates’ Competence in Communicating About Bullying

1. Deborah Schussler, Penn State University, United States
2. Jennifer Frank, Penn State University, United States
3. Michelle Wright, Penn State University, United States
4. TK Lee, Penn State University, United States
5. Julia Mahfouz, Pennsylvania State University, United States

Abstract: Teachers can play a critical role in stopping bullying-related violence. However, many teachers report they are reluctant to become involved in peer conflicts for fear of “making the situation worse.” Live roleplay, which is typically used to teach these skills, is inefficient, frequently ineffective. Virtual roleplay can simulate intelligent, authentic conversations, but it may be most effective when presented in developmentally sequenced modules. The purpose of this project is to help teacher candidates to respond effectively to classroom bullying by providing them with opportunities to interact with virtual roleplay (VRP) modules that incorporate pre-conversation prompts and post-conversation reflections to teach ...