Date of Award
1990
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Early and Middle Childhood
Advisor
Mary Ellen Sapp
Keywords
behavior disorders, behavior Interventions, behavior strategies, children’s behavior, class management, classroom control, classroom disruptions, discipline, student cooperation, middle childhood, middle school, school conduct
Abstract
This practicum aimed to reduce the severely disruptive behavior of problematic children. It also attempted to provide alternative behavior structures in the classroom, and to increase comfort levels of teachers when handling these “acting cut" children.
Twelve counseling sessions were designed to teach alternative forms of behavior. Children were shown different techniques for management and control of their own behaviors. Modeling and coping mechanisms were also used. Children were given reinforcement for progress displayed during the practicum. In addition. parents and teachers were involved. Data was collected before and after the duration of the counseling sessions. Checklists and questionnaires developed by the, writer were used. Feedback information was also collected.
Outcomes of this practicum were very encouraging. All of the objectives were achieved satisfactorily. Behavior transfers declined, suspensions were reduced, children learned how to act in certain situations. And teachers believed they could now handle these minor disruptions. The data from this practicum strongly demonstrated the following: (a) behavior disordered children could be identified and taught to follow rules, (b) acceptable behavior could be learned through counseling sessions within the school setting, and (c) children feel better about themselves after this behavior training.