Literature Review of Studies about Violence at School and Recommendations for Teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Violence is a very complex and particular concept and it is difficult to make a precise definition, since acceptable and unacceptable behaviour patterns for each society vary according to social norms, time and value judgments of what harms that society. School violence results in students’ loss of concentration, poor academic success, bunking of courses, and depression. Violence is a global problem, solution depends on an integrated approach in which educators, parents and learners work together. Considering negative consequences of violence, reduction or even prevention of violence at school will not only increase quality of education and training, but also support education process to become more productive. The aim of this review is to examine studies on school violence in literature, to determine causes of violence at school and present suggestions for solutions. This type of study may also have the potential to shed light on future work on violence in schools. For this reason, the purpose of this study is to examine the studies on violence at school and to present a review on violence prevention. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the studies on violence at school in the literature and to compile the measures that can be taken to reduce violence in line with the recommendations stated in these studies. Violence is defined psychologically or physiologically as the unintentional negative action or force. Methods: Considering the criteria of the study as a result of the preliminary examination, 66 articles were excluded and 42 articles were included in the study. Content analysis method was used to analyse the studies. First of all, data were coded and themes were formed. In order to confirm themes and codes researcher and a co-observer studied together. Conclusions: As a result of the evaluation of studies on violence at school, the themes of gender inequality, personal factors, school organization and evaluation were reached. In studies conducted to prevent violence in the educational environment, it is stated that it is important to listen to students, to value students, to understand them, to provide a democratic environment in the school, to take measures in accordance with the different dynamics that direct the school, and to establish a strong bond between the school and the society and stakeholders. Suggestions of studies to prevent violence at school are explained in the themes of understanding, teachers’ dedication, acting together, collecting, recording data, early intervention, teacher training programs, positive school environment, improving students’ personal skills.