Teams-Games-Tournaments Alcohol Prevention
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT) program is an approach to alcohol prevention that combines peer support with group reward structures. The program was developed through research on games as a teaching device, small groups as classroom work units, and the task-and-reward structures used in the traditional classroom. The TGT technique stresses group rather than individual achievement.
The first part of the curriculum covers the biological, psychological, and sociocultural determinants of alcoholism. During the program's second part, basic principles of social learning theory illustrate the concept that all drinking is learned. With this knowledge, students then learn self-management tools: assertiveness, refusal skills, how to change their internal and external environment. The tournament games consist of short-answer questions designed to assess and reinforce the knowledge gained in class.
The first part of the curriculum covers the biological, psychological, and sociocultural determinants of alcoholism. During the program's second part, basic principles of social learning theory illustrate the concept that all drinking is learned. With this knowledge, students then learn self-management tools: assertiveness, refusal skills, how to change their internal and external environment. The tournament games consist of short-answer questions designed to assess and reinforce the knowledge gained in class.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this program is to educate students about alcohol and to prevent alcohol abuse.
Impact
Evaluations showed significant gains in alcohol-related knowledge, significantly better attitudes toward drinking and driving, and reductions in alcohol consumption.
Results / Accomplishments
The evaluation of Teams-Games-Tournaments used an experimental design methodology. TGT participants showed significant gains in alcohol-related knowledge at posttest, relative to both the traditional and no-instruction control groups. Additional analyses confirmed that these effects remained significant at follow-up. TGT participants also showed significantly better attitudes toward drinking and driving, as well as reduced impulsive behavior, relative to the two other groups. Measures of alcohol consumption also favored the experimental group. From pretest to posttest the experimental group decreased its consumption by 12.7%, while the traditional control groups showed no reduction at all.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Primary Contact
John Wodarski, Ph.D.
Children's Mental Health Services Research Center
324 Henson Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-3988
jwodarsk@utk.edu
http://cmhsrc.utk.edu/practice-research/
Children's Mental Health Services Research Center
324 Henson Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-3988
jwodarsk@utk.edu
http://cmhsrc.utk.edu/practice-research/
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Source
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Model Programs Guide (MPG)
Date of publication
2004
Location
Georgia
For more details
Target Audience
Teens