Dr Marelize Vergottini, a senior lecturer in social work at the North-West University (NWU) recently presented a group work framework that is focused on positive discipline for addressing behaviour issues among primary school students from grades 5 to 7.

This was during a social work practice seminar for school social workers hosted by the Gauteng Province Social Development Department on 3 March.

Her framework focuses on implementing various practical activities using a combination of educational and participative models. These include the use of video clips, activity worksheets and outside activities to address issues of self-development, peer interactions, respect, anger issues and so forth in young learners.

“By doing it this way, it takes the focus off negative or punitive forms of discipline. Instead, the focus is on overall development, learning, interacting, taking responsibility and holding others in the group accountable, as well as keeping the school’s ethos in mind,” says Dr Vergottini.

Although the framework has been developed and implemented it is yet to be tested through research. Nonetheless, Dr Vergottini has received great reviews from her peers. Social workers who have practically used her framework have also given feedback on the positive results it has yielded.

Dr Marelize Vergottini.