Avoiding the odd one out: social cohesion in New Zealand primary classrooms

Abstract

ABSTRACT The social climate in the classroom can impact students’ mental well-being, behaviour and peer-learning opportunities. This article describes one way that elementary teachers can understand students’ social networks using a sociogram. Findings show variation in classroom cohesion and reveal groups of students who are at higher risk of social exclusion. Discussion of implications includes possible reasons for students’ social exclusion and ways teachers might use information to improve the social climate in the classroom. This article focuses on the role of initial teacher education programmes in building teacher skills to develop a robust and positive social climate.