What Really Happens in Violence Prevention Groups?

Abstract

Group workers frequently use standardized skill-building curricula to teach elementaryaged children prosocial ways of interacting with peers. The findings of this study of group sessions of an urban violence prevention project indicate that there are challenges to this process. Leaders must manage the behavior of young children, develop a cohesive group, and allow adequate time for full delivery of skills that are age and culture specific. Training for this method of skill building must include knowledge of behavioral reinforcement and group dynamics and support for balancing curricular content with the specific concerns of group members.

The art of groupwork practice with manualized curricula

“…As noted above, in order to ensure the proper use of manuals, practitioners should be trained in groupwork practice and theory (Letendre and Davis, 2004). It is also important that practitioners be trained in the use of the particular manuals through supervision and formal training (Howard, McMillen, and Pollio, 2003), so that they may master the The art of group work practice with manualized curricula content of the manuals and be aware of how to adapt content to different populations.…”