CHAPTER 9USING PROBLEM

SOLVING TO RESOLVE

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

“People take time. Dealing with discipline takes time. Children are not fax machines or credit cards. When they misbehave, they tell us that they need help learning a better way. They are telling us that there are basic needs that are not being met which are motivating the behavior. “ –Allen N. Mendler

LEARNING GOALS How to use problem- solving methods

with students in order ton develop effective solutions to ongoing academic and behavior problems

How to resolve a conflict between two or more students

How to conduct an effective class meeting.

WHY ARE PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES IMPORTANT? Persistent behavior disrupts the learning

environment and problem solving allows students to accept greater responsibility for their behavior and learn citizen skills.

It is a major cause for teacher concern and one reason teachers leave the profession.

In order to effectively assist students, we need the clearest understanding of how students view a situation.

In order to be successful, authority requires the need to connect in a caring way by inspiring hope within others and lead one’s own life in a way that models that attitude.

Remember, our students are human beings first.

THINKING GOALS WE WANT TO HELP OUR STUDENTS REACH Alternative solution thinking- The ability to generate

solutions to the problem Consequential thinking- The ability to consider the

consequences that a behavior might lead to. Casual thinking- the ability to relate one event to

another over time with regard to why an event happened or will happen.

Interpersonal sensitivity- The ability perceive that an interpersonal problem exists

Means-ends thinking- step by step planning to reach a goal

Perspective taking-the ability of the individual to recognize and take into account that different people have different motives and may take different actions

MODEL FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS

WILLIAM GLASSER’S SEVEN STEPS TO REALITY THERAPY PROBLEM SOLVING 1-Establish a warm personal relationship

with the student 2-Deal with present behavior 3-Make a value judgement 4-Work out a plan 5-Make a commitment 6-Follow up 7-No “put-downs”, but do not accept

excuses.

GLASSER’S SEVEN STEPS IN ACTION http://goanimate.com/movie/07GnhRDTy

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TEN STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING PROBLEM SOLVING 1- Provide the students with a handout

of the steps. Place where students can see it clearly

2-Discuss each step and provide and example.

3-Role-play several situations in which an student misbehaves and the teacher uses this method for assisting the student in taking responsibility for the behavior.

4-Lead a discussion following each role-play.

5- Have students practice by taking the role of both student and teacher.

6-Process these interactions 7-Provide the class with an example of a

violation and have each student write a problem solving plan.

8-Have students share and assist the class in evaluating and modifying several plans.

9-Explain how the problem solving process relates to the classroom management plan

10-Quiz students on the steps in the sequence and the problem solving plan.

METHODS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS BETWEEN STUDENTS Teacher facilitated Peer Conflict

Resolution:Book suggests using the think-feel-act

model.Teacher allows students to take turns

stating their account of what happened, how they felt and what they believe needs to be done.

After each statement, the other student paraphrases the statement, so each student feels heard and understands the other person’s point of view.

METHODS FOR GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING: CLASS MEETINGS

Benefits Include: A class meeting allows both the

teacher and the students to resolve problems openly before they become major issues that affect learning.

Provides students an opportunity for improving their social and problem solving skills

THREE STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL CLASS MEETING 1-Clearly state the

problem and stick to the agenda.

2-Brain Storm Solutions

3-Select Solution

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE CLASS MEETING In an elementary setting, it should last about 15

minutes. Teacher will serve as a facilitator for the meeting They should be held whenever the agenda

indicates a meeting is necessary.

Should be held in a tight circle with all participants seated in a circle

All problems relating to the class may be discussed.

An agenda should be created prior to every class meeting. Author suggests placing the topics on a clip board for students to sign and agree upon.

Discussions should always be directed towards arriving at a solution, not a punishment.

All items must be cleared with the students before discussion. Ex: an individual student’s behavior.

Students should be informed that several options are available to those who choose not to have their behavior discussed.

Clearly Post student’s responsibilities during class meetings:

A-Raise hands before being called on to speak

B-Listening to the speaker and not talking while someone else is speaking.

C-Staying on topic until it has been completed

D-Being involved by sharing ideas that will benefit the group

E-Use positive and supportive words to discuss the problems and solutions

Student Responsibilities

AFTER A COUPLE OF CLASS MEETINGS, WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

To keep momentum going, discuss functions of a leader in discussions. Inform them that they will lead their own discussions.

Introduce an agenda, when the class discusses this problem, point out an define each intervention you make.

Give class meeting “roles” (pg 349) to master social skills associated with these roles

-Discussion Leader -Task Observer -Behavior and Feeling Observer

MORNING MEETING

HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZIUAFOV8WVW

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are the models shown effective? Have you used or have been part of a

classroom meeting? Would you use one in your classroom? What suggestions would you make to

have a meeting run smoothly.