SUMMARY REPORT Summary of findings: A social network analysis and implementation study of an intervention designed to advance social and emotional learning and respectful relationships in secondary schools
This report provides a summary of the main findings and implications of the report A social network analysis and implementation study of an intervention designed to advance social and emotional learning and respectful relationships in secondary schools.
Schools play an important part in a whole-of-society approach to preventing, and ending, gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV). Respectful relationships education (RRE) is a key facet of prevention efforts within schools.
This research, funded as part of the ANROWS 4AP research program, has generated critical new insights into the impacts of RRE programs on students and student relationships, as well as what is needed to implement them effectively.
The research found that overall, both students and teachers found the program useful. The program saw a reduction in bullying and sexual bullying amongst students, and when taught faithfully, saw students improve in their regard for the rights of others and capacity for empathetic engagement.
The study also found that many teachers were unable to teach the program as it was intended. Factors influencing teacher capacity, confidence and comfort cut across all levels of the educational ecosystem: communities (for example, parent or community resistance to RRE); education systems (such as provision of teaching resources and guidance); schools (for example, alignment with school vision and mission); and classrooms/teachers (for example, concerns over teaching what was perceived to be sensitive content).
The research also includes important findings about the gendered nature of student relationships within the classroom, as well as the influence of those relationships on attitudes towards gender equality and GBV.
Authors
EMERITUS PROFESSOR HELEN CAHILL
Chief Investigator, University of Melbourne
DR DEAN LUSHER
Co-Chief Investigator, SNA Toolbox
ANNE FARRELLY
Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
NATALIE CALLEJA
Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
DR PENG WANG
Co-Chief Investigator, SNA Toolbox
DR ALI HASSANI
Research Fellow, SNA Toolbox
Suggested citation
Cahill, H., Lusher, D., Farrelly, A., Calleja, N., Wang, P., & Hassani, A. (2023). Summary of findings: A social network analysis and implementation study of an intervention designed to advance social and emotional learning and respectful relationships in secondary schools (ANROWS Insights, 04/2023). ANROWS.