Group Study Guide

Session: Discipline and Behavior Issues

Preparation

• On a large sheet of paper or poster board, write each one of the following statements:
1. Positive Reinforcement
2. Negative Reinforcement
3. Punishment.
Attach each sheet to the focal wall.


• Print this page. Cut out the following three case studies. As participants arrive, ask three volunteers to read the case studies.
1. Candace loves to talk. Almost every week Mrs. Barnes reminds Candace that it is not her turn to talk. Candace distracts other children with her constant conversations. She does not listen to instructions. Teachers must take time to repeat instructions for Candace.
2. Edward says: "I'm bored. Why do I have to do this?" He tips back in his chair and breaks pencils. He refuses to participate in activities and many times will not even sit with the group. Edward spends every other weekend with his dad. He attends church on the weekends he is with his mother. The weeks that Edward is absent the session seems to run smoothly. When Edward is there, he encourages the other boys to make fun of planned activities. None of the boys want to participate in activities when Edward comes to church.
3. Trae is easily distracted. He just does not seem to focus his attention. If he sits next to a girl, he is constantly poking her or pulling her hair. He asks questions that have nothing to do with what the group is discussing. It appears he is just not paying attention. He acts silly and likes to be the center of attention. It takes one teacher just to deal with Trae's constant interruptions and inappropriate behaviors.

Reflect and Practice

1. Open the session with fellowship and prayer.
   
   
2. Ask a volunteer to read Case Study 1. Ask, "What is an example of how a teacher might use positive reinforcement to manage Candace's behavior?" Write ideas on the sheet of paper titled "Positive Reinforcement." Do the same for negative reinforcement and punishment.
   
   
3. Ask the second volunteer to read Case Study 2. Ask, "What is an example of how a teacher might use positive reinforcement to manage Edward?" List ideas on the sheet of paper titled "Positive Reinforcement." Do the same for negative reinforcement and punishment.
   
   
4. Ask the third volunteer to read Case Study 3. Follow the same pattern as above.
   
   
5. Consider how to use restitution with the situations in these three case studies.
   
   
6. Conclude the session by asking the participants to apply these ideas to specific behavior problems they are encountering with their groups of children.
   
   
7. Close the session with a time of prayer for behavior problems in their groups. Remind participants to read the article(s) for the next session