Using Books for Anti-Bullying InstructionSeptember 20, 2012 |
Maurice Elias There are many books and related written materials
designed to address bullying, drug use, depression, anxiety,
shyness, peer rejection, and the like. How does one know which
book to use? The simple answer is that there is no clear correct
answer. But the question I posed is incomplete. The real
question is: What materials do I need to make a particular point
in the context of a specific learning objective? No book, video,
or other single media experience is likely to be effective as a
sole source of prevention or positive social-emotional or
character development. Genuine learning requires progression and
continuity. The challenge, then, is to not let the tail wag the
dog. Don't look for a book, look for materials that make a key
point you want to make. Even after you do that, you are still
likely to find that the materials need adjusting. Often, a book
is simply that -- a book. It may not contain guidance regarding
how to use it. Ev