Introduction to the Good Behavior Game
As a speech-language pathologist dedicated to data-driven decisions, I am thrilled to discuss the Good Behavior Game (GBG), a classroom management strategy with profound implications for child development. This method, tested in Baltimore's first- and second-grade classrooms since the mid-1980s, has shown significant long-term benefits, including reduced rates of drug and alcohol disorders, antisocial behavior, and even suicide ideation in adulthood. The GBG offers a promising avenue for educators and therapists to foster positive outcomes in children.
Understanding the Good Behavior Game
The GBG is a universal classroom behavior management method designed to improve classroom behavior and introduce young children to their roles as students and community members. Initially developed by researchers at the University of Kansas, it allows teachers to manage classroom behavior effectively without responding individually to each disruption. By implementing this strategy, teachers can enhance their precision and consistency in instructing students on appropriate behavior.
How the Game Works
In the GBG, teachers divide students into balanced teams based on behavior and other factors. The game is played for short periods, with rewards given to teams that adhere to classroom rules. As the school year progresses, the game duration increases, and rewards transition from tangible items to more abstract incentives. This approach not only improves behavior but also facilitates learning without compromising instructional time.
Impact of the Good Behavior Game
Research has consistently shown that the GBG significantly reduces aggressive and disruptive behavior in classrooms. Notably, males who participated in the GBG during first grade reported fewer problem behaviors in young adulthood compared to their peers. While the impact on females was less pronounced, the GBG still contributed to reduced suicidal thoughts and some substance use disorders.
Lessons for Practitioners
For practitioners seeking to improve their skills, the GBG offers valuable insights into effective classroom management. By implementing this strategy, educators can create a positive classroom environment that supports children's development and reduces the risk of adverse outcomes later in life. The GBG's success underscores the importance of universal prevention interventions in promoting child development.
Encouraging Further Research
While the GBG has demonstrated significant benefits, there is still much to learn about its impact, particularly on female students. Further research is needed to understand the developmental pathways for girls and design interventions that address their unique needs. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the GBG and other universal prevention programs to contribute to a more effective system for child development.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Good Behavior Game and the Future of Prevention and Treatment.
