About the Intervention
The Good Behaviour Game (GBG) is a universal behaviour management intervention delivered to all children in a given class by their teacher. The intervention divides classes into mixed teams (3-7 members each) who attempt to win the game by following four classroom rules: (1) We will work quietly, (2) We will be polite to others, (3) We will get out of seats with permission, and (4) We will follow directions. During game sessions (initially 10 minutes, progressing to whole lessons), teachers record rule infractions, with teams receiving four or fewer infractions accessing agreed rewards. Over time, the intervention progresses from tangible rewards (stickers) to more abstract rewards (free time), increases in frequency (from three times weekly to daily) and duration, and delays gratification (from end of game to end of week). Teachers receive two days of initial training in September, one day of follow-up training in January, and ongoing monthly coaching support from trained GBG coaches. The intervention aims to improve classroom behaviour and generalise appropriate behaviours beyond game sessions through systematic positive reinforcement and social learning.
Statistical Findings
No effect: on reading
No effect: on concentration problems
No effect: on disruptive behaviour
No effect: on pro-social behaviour
No effect: on teacher self-efficacy in classroom management
No effect: on teacher stress
No effect: on teacher retention
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Disciplinary InfractionsPrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
Ann, L., Ashworth, E., Birchinall, L., Black, L., Frearson, K., Garry, S., Hennessey, A., Lawrence, W., Michael, W., Neil, H., Pampaka, M., Panayiotou, M. & Petersen, K. (2018). Good Behaviour Game: Evaluation Report and Executive Summary (ED617332). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED617332.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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