Peer Interaction Research Articles

Probing the digital exposome: associations of social media use patterns with youth mental health

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory highlighting the lack of knowledge about the safety of ubiquitous social media use on adolescent mental health. For many youths, social media use can become excessive and can contribute to frequent exposure to adverse peer interactions (e.g., cyberbullying, and hate speech). Nonetheless, social media use is complex, and although there are clear challenges, it also can create critical new avenues for connection, particularly among marginalized youth. In the current project, we leverage a large nationally diverse sample of adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study assessed between 2019–2020 (N = 10,147, Mage = 12.0, 48% assigned female at birth, 20% Black, 20% Hispanic) to test the associations between specific facets of adolescent social media use (e.g., type of apps used, time spent, addictive patterns of use) and overall mental health. Specifically, a data-driven exposome-wide association was applied to generate digital exposomic risk scores that aggregate the cumulative burden of digital risk exposure. This included general usage, cyberbullying, having secret accounts, problematic/addictive use behavior, and other factors. In validation models, digital exposomic risk explained substantial variance in general child-reported psychopathology, and a history of suicide attempt, over and above sociodemographics, non-social screentime, and non-digital adversity (e.g., abuse, poverty). Furthermore, differences in digital exposomic scores also shed insight into mental health disparities, among youth of color and sexual and gender minority youth. Our work using a data-driven approach supports the notion that digital exposures, in particular social media use, contribute to the mental health burden of US adolescents.

Modelling the effects of emotional engagement and peer interaction on the continuous intention to use asynchronous e-learning.

Even though asynchronous e-learning has become popular among universities, few studies have examined how students intend to continue using it for their learning. This study proposed a theoretical model that aims to examine the effects of external factors-emotional engagement and peer interaction-and two constructs of technology acceptance model (TAM) on students' continuous intention to use asynchronous e-learning. A total of 259 students participated in a survey. The data were analysed using two steps in SEM AMOS. confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for assessing model measurement, and structural equation modelling was applied for assessing relationships among constructs and testing hypothesis. The results showed that emotional engagement had a significant effect on students' continuous intention to use asynchronous e-learning through the perceived ease of use of asynchronous e-learning and not through its perceived usefulness. Furthermore, peer interaction had a significant effect on students' continuous intention to use asynchronous e-learning. Moreover, the constructs of the technology acceptance model-perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness-had direct and significant effects on students' continuous intention to use asynchronous e-learning. Several implications and suggestions were discussed.

The potential of classroom video recordings in detecting the TA-to-pupil, teacher-to-TA and peer interactions: An overview

Technology in the classroom comes in many shapes to differentiate instruction, create meaningful learning experiences, actively engage the learners, or inform about classroom exchanges. Video recordings are no exception. They facilitate the investigation of classroom interactions and the collection of audio-visual data that provide further insights into the teaching practice and classroom dynamics. Previous education research has almost turned a blind eye to uncovering the intricacies of elementary classroom behavior and interactions through the medium of modern technologies. Only scattered attempts have brought to bear the issue. To this end, this paper presents an overview of the salient role of digital technologies, mainly video materials, in clarifying the different interactions that take place within the confines of the classroom, including teacher-to-teaching assistant (TA) relationships, teacher-aide-to-pupil interactions, and peer-to-peer interaction drawing on an ongoing data collection from elementary schools around Hradec Králové (HK) region in the Czech Republic. Classroom recordings might be a fountainhead for detailed, reflective analysis, enhanced communication among all participants, and better teaching-learning practice if used properly. The first part of the paper reviews some related definitions based on several previous theoretical grounds. Then, it highlights the peculiar classroom interactions aided by various analytic angles. Deeply rooted in education research, these dynamics are indebted to the presence of audio and visual records. Most importantly, the paper is built around the research endeavor by researchers at the University of HK, mainly the Faculty of Education, that aims at getting down to brass tacks of TAs interactions by means of technological intervention in data collection (video recordings) and measurement (Flanders et al. – FIAS). Keywords: Video recordings, TA-to-Pupil interaction, Teacher-to-TA interaction, elementary schools, Flanders Interaction Analysis System

The Sibling Effect on Theory of Mind Among Chinese Preschoolers: Considering the Role of Parenting Style and Peer Interaction

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study extends the understanding of the sibling effect on children’s theory of mind (ToM) among Chinese preschoolers by adopting an ecological perspective. The participants were 225 Chinese preschoolers, comprising 100 children with siblings (M age = 4.54 years, SD = 1.11, 55 boys) and 125 children without siblings (M age = 4.52 years, SD = 0.99, 60 boys). We assessed children’s ToM through a child measurement task, and peer interaction time on the weekend and parenting style (i.e. authoritarian and authoritative parenting style) through parent reports. This study revealed that the role of siblings in children’s development of ToM did not have a main effect among Chinese preschoolers, regardless of their birth order or siblings’ ages. However, when considering the influence of parents and peers in addition to siblings, the sibling effect is only noticeable for children with low interaction levels with their peers. Practice or Policy: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that in China, child-aged siblings positively influence the ToM development in children who have limited interactions with peers. These findings underscore the value of siblings as a developmental resource and offer parents critical insights into fostering ToM, especially under the two-child policy.

0130 Negative Peer Interactions Among Adolescents Are Associated with More Difficulty Sleeping

0130 Negative Peer Interactions Among Adolescents Are Associated with More Difficulty Sleeping

Peer interaction in class: exploring students’ self-regulation in relation to peer acceptance and rejection

Peer interaction in class: exploring students’ self-regulation in relation to peer acceptance and rejection

Hubungan Pengawasan Orangtua Dan Pergaulan Teman Sebaya Dengan Karakter Kristiani Siswa SMP Negeri 3 Sipoholon Tahun Pembelajaran 2023/2024

The research objectives were to determine: 1) the relationship between parental supervision and the Christian character of student at SMP Negeri 3 Sipoholon, 2) the relationship between peer interaction and the christian character of student at SMP Negeri 3 Sipoholon, 3) the relationship between parental supervision and peer interaction with christian character, Sipoholon 3 public Midlle School Student. In this research, a quantitative descriptive inferential approach was used. The population ofof all student at SMP Negeri 3 Sipoholon for the 2023-2024 academic year is 262 people.

What topics of peer interactions correlate with student performance in physics courses?

Research suggests that interacting with more peers about physics course material is correlated with higher student performance. Some studies, however, have demonstrated that different topics of peer interactions may correlate with their performance in different ways, or possibly not at all. In this study, we probe both the peers with whom students interact about their physics course and the particular aspects of the course material about which they interacted in six different introductory physics courses: four lecture courses and two lab courses. Drawing on social network analysis methods, we replicate prior work demonstrating that, on average, students who interact with more peers in their physics courses have higher final course grades. Expanding on this result, we find that students discuss a wide range of aspects of course material with their peers: concepts, small-group work, assessments, lecture, and homework. We observe that in the lecture courses, interacting with peers about concepts is most strongly correlated with final course grade, with smaller correlations also arising for small-group work and homework. In the lab courses, on the other hand, small-group work is the only interaction topic that significantly correlates with final course grade. We use these findings to discuss how course structures (e.g. grading schemes and weekly course schedules) may shape student interactions and add nuance to prior work by identifying how specific types of student interactions are associated (or not) with performance.

The academic TikTok: Academics’ perceptions and uses of Microsoft Flip as a vlogging platform

Vlogs, asynchronous video blogs where individuals film themselves to share personal experiences, have been widely used in educational settings. This study explores the integration of Microsoft Flip (Flip), a vlogging platform, in higher education, focusing on its use by academics during a 3-year pilot preceding institution-wide adoption. Grounded in Driscoll and Burner’s (2005) constructivist theory, this research involved interviews with 10 academics from an Australian university, examining their experiences, challenges and recommendations for using Flip. The findings reveal that Flip facilitates innovative activity design, promoting user-friendliness, interaction and self-directed learning. However, privacy concerns, technical difficulties and engagement shortfalls were identified consistent with broader educational technology adoption issues. To minimise these challenges, academics suggested setting clear guidelines on how to use Flip to enhance learning and offered suggestions on how to organise the activities effectively. This research offers insights for academics and learning designers considering Flip in the tertiary educational context, highlighting its potential as a tool for enhancing learning experiences. Implications for practice or policy: Implement scaffolded teaching in higher education, emphasising peer interaction, sequential assessments, and clear instructions to boost student learning outcomes. Provide academics with targeted resources and training to effectively integrate vlogs in teaching, addressing technological barriers. Use vlogging for summative assessments to ensure authentic uptake which also mitigates challenges within identity verification and artificial intelligence misuse in higher education.

Peer Interaction, Exclusion and School Participation: Issues of Schooling in a Tribal Village of Odisha

In India, drop-outs and out-of-school children in school education are dominant educational discourses even after seven decades of independence. No doubt, various policies and programmes were devised to challenge these issues in education, but still the issues of drop-outs are rampant both in rural and urban areas. The inequality in educational attainment between Scheduled Tribes and the rest of the population has widened throughout the years. Various social aspects of why children leave school before they complete the secondary level of school are understudied in India. Aspects of cultural and social practices and patterns of socialization of tribal children have received little attention in the research on tribal children in India. By specially focussing on friendship networks/peer interaction, the article reflects on how it affects educational participation of tribal and non-tribal children in a village located in the tribal areas of Odisha, one of the eastern states of India.

The Power of Peers Unleashed in Motivating Elementary Learning Around the World

This study examines the role of peers and their impact on the learning motivation of fifth-grade students at Sidokare 1 Public Elementary School. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews and documentation from both students and teachers. Findings indicate that peers significantly contribute to motivating learning by providing encouragement, studying together, and acting as problem-solving companions. The positive impact of peers on learning motivation underscores their importance as benchmarks and motivators for academic achievement. Understanding peer dynamics in elementary education is crucial for fostering supportive learning environments and enhancing student engagement. Further research focusing on peer influence among adolescents can provide additional insights into developmental aspects of peer interactions and their effects on learning motivation.Highlight: eer Encouragement: Crucial for motivating learning and academic achievement. Enhancing Student Engagement: Understanding peer dynamics fosters supportive learning environments. Research Method Importance: Descriptive qualitative approach explores peer interactions' impact effectively. Keyword: Peer influence, Learning motivation, Elementary education, Descriptive qualitative research, Academic achievement.

Enhancing Student Collaboration in Science Education Through Outdoor Learning Transformation

This study explores the efficacy of implementing outdoor learning to enhance student collaboration in fourth-grade science education at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Candi Sidoarjo, addressing a gap in research regarding its application in primary school science education. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with observation, interviews, and documentation, data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model. Results indicate successful implementation of outdoor learning, fostering collaboration among students, particularly in accepting responsibility, assisting peers, and respecting opinions. Variations in collaboration effectiveness were noted between student groups. Findings suggest that carefully planned outdoor learning activities can create an engaging learning environment, improving student collaboration and overall learning outcomes in primary school science education. Highlight: Outdoor learning in primary science: Enhancing student collaboration and engagement. Qualitative approach: Investigating student perspectives on outdoor education. Effective peer interactions: Fostering teamwork in outdoor learning environments. Keyword: Outdoor learning, Student collaboration, Primary school, Science education, Qualitative research

Tackling the gender gap in mathematics with active learning methodologies

Gender gaps in mathematics are at the root of gender differences in human capital accumulation, but the role of teaching practices on such gaps has been underinvestigated. We implement a teaching methodology to improve children's mathematical skills and evaluate the causal effect of the intervention on the gender gap in mathematics in Italy with a randomised controlled trial. The methodology, grounded in active and cooperative learning, focuses on peer interaction, sharing of ideas, learning from mistakes, and problem-solving. The treatment significantly improves girls’ math performance (0.14 standard deviations), with no impact on boys, and reduces the math gender gap by about 40 %. The effect is stronger for girls with high pre-test scores.

Is autonomic functioning distinctly associated with anxiety and unsociability in preschoolers?

There are many benefits of peer interactions for children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, and isolation from peers may have negative consequences for children. Although biological processes may underlie social withdrawal broadly, distinct patterns may be associated with withdrawal behaviors depending on their underlying motivation (e.g., shy versus disinterested). This study investigated the role of autonomic nervous system activity, as assessed via skin conductance level (SCL) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in predicting changes in unsociability (e.g., lack of interest in peers) and anxious-fearfulness (e.g., discomfort among peers). Data were collected using a community sample of 92 US preschool children (45.7% female; Mage = 45.51 months, SDage = 3.81 months) at two time points one year apart. Gender differences were also explored. Baseline physiology was assessed while viewing a neutral video clip, and reactivity was assessed while viewing social exclusion and post-aggression discussion videos. For all children, coinhibition (i.e., SCL inhibition accompanied by RSA inhibition) to the post-aggression discussion video and blunted SCL activation to the exclusion video were prospectively associated with higher levels of anxious-fearfulness one year later. For boys only, baseline reciprocal sympathetic activation (i.e., SCL activation and RSA inhibition) was prospectively related to higher levels of unsociability one year later. For girls only, RSA inhibition in response to the post-aggression discussion video was prospectively related to higher levels of unsociability one year later. Findings contribute to a growing literature on autonomic reactivity in preschoolers' adjustment and suggest possible differences in the physiological processes underlying unsociability and anxious-fearfulness.

The Study on The Role of E-Wallets Feature in Influencing Universities Students' Purchasing Decisions

This research investigates the influential role of e-wallet features on the purchasing decisions of students at University Malaysia Kelantan, within the context of the rapidly evolving digital payment landscape. With e-wallets gaining popularity as a convenient and secure mode of financial transactions, understanding their impact on student consumers becomes imperative. Through a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from undergraduate students through surveys and interviews, analyzing various e-wallet attributes such as ease of use, security, rewards, and merchant variety. Preliminary findings reveal that e-wallets play a significant role in shaping students' purchasing behavior, primarily due to their convenience and availability of attractive rewards. The study also uncovers the influence of peer interactions and perceptions of e-wallets on students' adoption and usage patterns. Keywords: E-wallets, digital payments, purchasing decisions, consumer behavior, financial technology, convenience, rewards, student consumers.

Exploring student perceptions: Factors influencing academic performance in a school of pharmacy in Nigeria

Background: The failure and success rate of students in pharmacy school has been shown to be dependent on some courses that predict academic performance. The study identified factors that could impact failure and academic performances of pharmacy students at Obafemi Awolowo University. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of 219 undergraduate pharmacy students from third, fourth and fifth years of a school of pharmacy in Nigeria. A pre-tested questionnaire gathered data on demographics, course perceptions and academic factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, weighted averages, and Chi squared tests were used to analyse the data obtained at p < 0.05. Results: Financial constraints, family challenges, and a lack of peer interaction were significantly associated with repeating a year. Specific courses perceived as difficult included “Pharmaceutical organic chemistry” (PHC 202), “Practical pharmaceutics I” (PHA 201) and “Medicinal chemistry II” (PHC 402). Courses perceived as difficult, particularly in the fourth year, were notably linked to academic stress. Conclusion: The study identified specific factors and courses that affect pharmacy students’ performance in the Nigerian context. Policy makers and faculty can take vital feedback to adjust the training content, methods and assessment system to possibly deliver a holistic education to pharmacy students.

The Impact of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning on Bilingual Education

Bilingual education stands as a pivotal approach in contemporary educational landscapes, aiming to cultivate bilingualism and enhance academic achievement among students. In recent years, technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) has emerged as a promising avenue to augment bilingual education efforts. This paper presents a thorough examination of the impact of TELL on bilingual education, synthesizing theoretical frameworks, exploring various technologies utilized, assessing effectiveness, and addressing challenges and future directions. The theoretical underpinnings of TELL encompass constructivism, sociocultural theory, and cognitive load theory. Drawing from constructivist principles, TELL engages learners actively in constructing knowledge through meaningful interactions with technology-mediated learning environments. Sociocultural theory accentuates the socio-cultural context of language learning, underscoring TELL's potential to foster collaboration and cultural exchange among bilingual learners. Cognitive load theory informs the design of TELL materials to optimize learning outcomes by managing cognitive resources effectively. Technologies employed in bilingual education span diverse platforms, including computer-assisted language learning (CALL), mobile applications, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and online collaboration tools. CALL platforms offer interactive exercises and personalized feedback, while mobile applications afford ubiquitous access to language learning resources. VR and AR technologies provide immersive experiences, enriching cultural understanding and language proficiency. Online collaboration tools facilitate synchronous and asynchronous communication, fostering peer interaction and collaboration. Research findings underscore the effectiveness of TELL in enhancing language proficiency, cultural understanding, and overall learning outcomes in bilingual education settings. TELL interventions have demonstrated significant improvements across language skills, motivating learners and fostering positive attitudes toward language learning. However, challenges such as limited access to technology, digital literacy skills, and the need for teacher training persist, hindering widespread implementation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to promote equitable access to technology, enhance digital literacy skills, and provide ongoing professional development for educators. Collaborative endeavors among stakeholders are essential to develop inclusive strategies for leveraging technology to support bilingual learners effectively. Future research should focus on innovative TELL approaches, long-term impact evaluation, and best practices for technology integration in bilingual education. TELL holds immense promise in enriching bilingual education by providing interactive, engaging, and culturally relevant learning experiences. By leveraging theoretical frameworks and diverse technologies, TELL has the potential to transform language learning practices and cultivate global citizens proficient in multiple languages. However, concerted efforts are needed to overcome challenges and maximize the benefits of TELL for all bilingual learners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, research, and advocacy in advancing bilingual education in the digital age.

Language choice and code-switching in bilingual children’s interaction under multilingual contexts: evidence from Mandarin-English bilingual preschoolers

ABSTRACT Language choice and code-switching are commonplaces for peer interaction among bilingual children from various language backgrounds in Hong Kong. However, few studies concern these linguistic practices of immigrant children proficient in Mandarin and English. This study adopted a qualitative research approach to investigate three Mandarin-English preschoolers’ language choice and code-switching by analyzing their conversations in interaction with a Cantonese–English bilingual peer under the framework of translanguaging. The findings reveal that these Mandarin-English preschoolers’ priority language for interaction is English, indicating that choosing a shared language is an essential communicative strategy for integrating with their Cantonese–English peers. The factors for those language choices include social environment, interlocutor’s ability, and sense of identity and belonging. Both inter-sentential and intra-sentential code-switching are adopted in verbal interaction. However, intra-sentential code-switching occurs more frequently and with greater diversity in Mandarin-based sentences, where nouns are the most easily switched component, followed by verbs and adjectives. This study enriches the study of bilingual children in Hong Kong, extends the application of translanguaging to peer interaction outside the classroom in multilingual contexts, and provides pedagogic implications.

Using Intentional Pairing and Peer Tutoring during Structured Literacy Activities in Inclusion Classrooms

AbstractMore and more students with learning disabilities and other diverse learners are placed for instruction in general education classrooms, which often leaves teachers grappling to design successful peer interactions and literacy activities to meet the needs of all learners in their classrooms. As the shift is made to align literacy instruction to the Science of Reading (SoR), it is vital for teachers to provide relevant and engaging learning opportunities for all students. In this article, several strategies are offered for intentionally pairing diverse learners and their typically developing peers to provide successful structured peer tutoring experiences during literacy activities in inclusion classrooms.

Parent perceptions of social well-being in children with special educational needs during COVID-19: A mixed-methods analysis.

Children's educational experiences worldwide have been significantly impacted as a result of global school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic of Spring 2020. A growing number of studies aim to analyse impacts of these changes on social well-being, with limited studies placing an emphasis on the experiences of students with special educational needs (SENs). This article focusses on parent perspectives regarding impacts of school closures on social well-being in Canadian children with SEN. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, drawing from both qualitative and quantitative survey data from Spring/Summer 2020. Participants (n = 263) were eligible for participation if they were a parent/guardian of a child or adolescent with an SEN. We first conducted a descriptive analysis of the key variables, namely, social well-being, grade level of the child, internet and device availability, and the presence of other school-aged children in the home (single child vs. multiple children). Next, we explored the relationship between these using a bivariate correlation. Finally, open-ended responses were analysed using an inductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis. The majority of parents expressed concern for their child's social well-being during the Spring 2020 school closures, with increased concerns for younger children. According to parents, children experienced communication barriers to peer interaction and many experienced emotional difficulties as a result. Technology was described as critical for some in maintaining social connections. Parents raised concerns about the impact of limited peer interaction on broader social skill development, in the short and long term. A small number of participants noted feelings of relief and reduced anxiety among their children with SEN. Findings highlight parent views of the negative impact of the pandemic on social well-being and the critical role in-person schooling plays in supporting peer relationships for children with SEN.