Virtual reality in the professional development of teachers regarding the issue of peer bullying. Insights and reflections

Abstract

One of the main factors determining the effectiveness of counteracting peer violence at school is the quality of staff preparation and training. Preparing teachers who will be able to effectively deal with manifestations of peer violence, including bullying, is not an easy task. Various studies show that teachers do not feel fully prepared to deal with the bullying problem, and they also admit that despite their education, they lack practical preparation. Despite the availability of various in-service training courses, there is still a need for training with a more practical inclination and for courses and activities combined with practice that will help teachers to acquire intervention skills and develop specific strategies for action. The aim of the article is to indicate and justify the need for more adequate preparation and professional development of teachers in the field of intervention and prevention of peer bullying, and above all to provide them with related experience. Secondly, the possibility of using virtual reality (VR) for this purpose, which offers new methods of teaching skills, will be discussed.