Early School Leaving – Bullying Among Students

Before the course, participants will fulfill questionnaires to identify their prior knowledge and training needs for the subject. Organizers will send proper material for reading and will provide any necessary information about travel and accommodation.

School dropout and bullying are very significant issues in many European schools, especially in low socio-economic areas. They are very complicated problems and there are no significant approaches to deal with.
Every country, every area, every school, every student are different. Because there are so many reasons behind them, there is not a “one size fits all” solution. It is a social parameter and involves everyone in the community: principals, teachers, students and parents. The program is a holistic approach that includes all the aspects of school life and everyone that is involved.
It is based at the assumption that dropping out or bullying is connected to the feelings of students, such as being powerless, helpless and with no future. Thus, it focuses in providing motivation for attending classes and finish school in a safe environment building strong relationships among all partners and raising students’ self-esteem and mutual respect.

There will be suggestions for how we can create an interesting school environment that will attract students of the 21st century integrating in the classroom tools and techniques that are familiar to them (social media, tablets, etc.). At the end, participants will fill evaluation questionnaires and they will bring back material to share with their colleagues.

Being aware of the social and personal factors that lead to early school leaving and bullying.
Developing strategies to prevent these problematic situations.
Gaining the right approach procedure for students with poor self-esteem, undisciplined and unmotivated.
Empowering school personnel to handle difficult situations (stress management, leadership, negotiations).
Building cooperation bridges with parents.

What is the definition of Early School Leaving (ESL) and bullying (physical and digital).
Which factors are leading to ESL and bullying.
What is happening in EU countries and how EU is dealing with it.
What are the three ESL steps: Prevention, Intervention and Compensation.
Authority and boundaries.

Examples of Good Practices to prevent ESL from European Countries.
Communication (verbal and non verbal).
Identify the signs. Which students are most vulnerable?
Best practices when dealing with difficult children.
Negotiations and conflict management.
Effective tools prior, during and after an incident.
Conducting a student’ needs analysis.

New roles for principals and teachers: counseling, guidance, support.
Making students more motivated.
Rising self-esteem.
Giving parents and students a role in the school.