Date of Award
1-1-1992
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
Mary Staggs
Committee Member
Keith L. Zeman
Keywords
at-risk students, behavior disorders, cognitive behavioral strategies, discipline, impulse control, interpersonal problem-solving, middle school, mild disabilities, perspective taking, problem-solving skills, role playing, self-control, self-instruction, self-management, social competence, student aggression, student court, student suspension, think first program, video-assisted instruction
Abstract
This practicum was designed in response to the increasing numbers of student behavior problems and subsequent suspension of mildly handicapped and at-risk middle school students. The goal was to implement a group intervention program teaching cognitive behavioral strategics to improve interpersonal problem-solving skills, as well as provide alternatives to current school disciplinary procedures.
The writer combined the video-assisted, cognitive behavioral “Think First” program designed by Dr. James Larson with a student court system to improve social competence, develop self-management and problem-solving techniques. Instructional approaches included group problem-solving, self-reporting, modeling and role play. Training emphasized self-instruction for impulse control, finding alternative solutions, anticipating consequences and perspective taking.
Although results suggest improved social problem-solving ability and self-control it is difficult to determine if generalization or maintenance of appropriate behaviors will occur due to the short term nature of the intervention.