Positive Peer Interactions Research Articles

Comparing acceptance and rejection in the classroom interaction of students who stutter and their peers: A social network analysis

PurposeRecent work has reported adverse effects of students’ stuttering on their social and emotional functioning at school. Yet, few studies have provided an in-depth examination of classroom interaction of students who stutter (SWS). The current study uses a network perspective to compare acceptance and rejection in the classroom interaction between SWS and their peers in secondary education. MethodsThe sample comprised 22 SWS and 403 non-stuttering peers (22 classes) of secondary education in Flanders (Belgium). Students' nominations regarding three acceptance and three rejection criteria were combined. Social network analysis offered procedures that considered direct and indirect interaction between all classmates. ResultsWe found few significant differences: SWS and their peers were distributed similarly across positive and negative status groups. Both considered and were considered by, on average, six or seven classmates as ‘a friend', who they liked and could count on, and nominated or were nominated by one or two classmates as ‘no friend', somebody who they disliked and could not count on. On average, SWS and their classmates also did not differ in terms of structural position in the class group (degree, closeness and betweenness), reciprocated rejection, and clique size. However, SWS do tend to be slightly more stringent or more careful in nominating peers, which led to fewer reciprocated friendships. ConclusionOur results suggest that SWS are quite accepted by peers in secondary education in Flanders. Such positive peer interaction can create a supportive and encouraging climate for SWS to deal with specific challenges.

My Teaching Partner-Secondary: A Video-Based Coaching Model

In the My Teaching Partner (MTP) program, coaches engage teachers in 6 to 9 coaching cycles across a school year. Guided by the program’s theory, coaches help teachers reflect on the emotional, organizational, and instructional features of classrooms. MTP was originally developed for pre-K and early elementary classrooms (MTP Pre-K), but this article focuses on the secondary school version of this program, MTP-Secondary (MTP-S), given the need for coaching models with middle and high school teachers. The article presents the guiding theory of MTP-S and how it relates to key components of the coaching cycle. We then offer a brief synthesis of research demonstrating its effectiveness in raising achievement, promoting positive peer interactions, and reducing racial disparities in teachers’ discipline practices. We provide ideas for future research that would help advance theory on the essential components of effective coaching programs in secondary schools.

Cognitive Disequilibrium and Service-Learning in Physical Education Teacher Education: Perceptions of Pre-Service Teachers in a Study Abroad Experience

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to explore preservice teachers’ experiences of cognitive disequilibrium (CD) theory during a service-learning project in a study abroad experience.Method:A case study with 8 participants was used. Data sources consisted of: Formal interviews, videos of planning, videos of teaching, videos of reflection sessions, and informal interviews. Data were analyzed utilizing open and axial coding (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Trustworthiness strategies included: prolonged engagement, multiple data source triangulation, and member checks.Results:Results indicated four themes: “We made it our own thing”, “Summer camp for teachers”, “Struggle and disequilibrium”, and “By the end it was a transformation”.Discussion/Conclusions:CD was ultimately positive for these students. The positive resolution of CD catalyzed a transformative effect on their perceptions of their teaching. This was supported by positive peer interaction.

The Use of Individualized Video Modeling to Enhance Positive Peer Interactions in Three Preschool Children

The study described in this article sought to enhance the social interaction skills of 3 preschool children using video modeling. All children had been assessed as having difficulties in their interactions with peers. Two were above average on internalizing problems and the third was above average on externalizing problems. The study used a delayed multiple probe across participants' design and was situated in a preschool setting. Videos were individualized for each participant based on age, gender, ethnicity, and individual needs. The models demonstrated appropriate play behavior with peers. Positive outcomes were achieved for 2 participants. The findings suggest that although the social interaction skills of preschool children can be enhanced in their natural environment through the use of video modeling; video modeling alone might not be sufficient for addressing the needs of children with externalizing problems.

Does Collaborative Learning Influence Persistence to the Second Year of College?

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine whether engaging in collaborative learning influences persistence to the 2nd year of college among 2,987 college freshmen at 19 institutions. Considering potential confounders such as sex, race, precollege academic ability, type of institution attended, college coursework taken, academic motivation, and the clustered nature of the data, those students who engage in collaborative learning are significantly more likely than students who do not learn collaboratively to persist to the 2nd year of college. The results of our analyses suggest the influence of collaborative learning on persistence affects students similarly, regardless of individual differences by sex, race, or tested precollege academic ability. Lastly, the influence of collaborative learning on persistence appears to be mediated by peer interactions. That is, learning collaboratively leads to greater levels of positive peer interactions, which in turn is associated with greater odds of persisting to the 2nd year of college.

Effects of the Caregiver Interaction Profile Training on Caregiver\u2013Child Interactions in Dutch Child Care Centers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPrevious studies underscore the need to improve caregiver–child interactions in early child care centers.ObjectiveIn this study we used a randomized controlled trial to examine whether a 5-week video feedback training can improve six key interactive skills of caregivers in early child care centers: Sensitive responsiveness, respect for autonomy, structuring and limit setting, verbal communication, developmental stimulation, and fostering positive peer interactions.MethodA total of 139 caregivers from 68 early child care groups for 0- to 4-year-old children in Dutch child care centers participated in this RCT, 69 in the intervention condition and 70 in the control condition. Caregiver interactive skills during everyday interactions with the children were rated from videotape using the Caregiver Interaction Profile (CIP) scales at pretest, posttest, and follow-up 3 months after the posttest.ResultsResults at posttest indicate a significant positive training effect on all six caregiver interactive skills. Effect sizes of the CIP training range between d = 0.35 and d = 0.79. Three months after the posttest, caregivers in the intervention group still scored significantly higher on sensitive responsiveness, respect for autonomy, verbal communication, and fostering positive peer interactions than caregivers in the control group with effect sizes ranging between d = 0.47 and d = 0.70.ConclusionsThis study shows that the quality of caregiver–child interactions can be improved for all six important caregiver skills, with a relatively short training program. Possible ways to further improve the training and to implement it in practice and education are discussed.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Teacher–Child Relationships: Links With Children’s Observed Interactions

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: The present study examined associations between children’s classroom interactions and teachers’ perceptions of teacher–child relationships during 1 year of preschool. Teachers (n = 223) reported their perceptions of closeness and conflict in their teacher–child relationships in the fall and spring. Children’s (n = 895) positive classroom interactions with teachers, peers, and learning activities and their negative interactions were observed midyear. Children’s positive interactions with teachers and learning activities predicted teachers’ perceptions of more closeness in the spring when we accounted for fall closeness. Children’s negative interactions predicted teachers’ perceptions of more relational conflict in the spring when we accounted for fall conflict. Children’s positive peer interactions did not predict spring closeness or conflict. Implications regarding teachers’ perceptions of teacher–child relationships and children’s independently observed classroom interactions are discussed. Practice or Policy: Findings provide empirical evidence for an aspect of Pianta, Hamre, and Stuhlman’s (2003) conceptual model of teacher–child relationships. Results indicate that children’s classroom interactions may be a factor related to how teachers report on their relationships with children across 1 year of preschool. Findings point to links between a range of children’s positive and negative interactions during typical instruction and teachers’ relationship perceptions.

Analysis of the changing relationship between peer acceptance and academic achievement in adolescents / Análisis de la relación variable entre la aceptación entre iguales y el rendimiento académico de los adolescentes

Peer interactions in the context of group-level relationships have significant consequences on social adjustment across the lifespan of children and adolescents. Indeed, peer relations change systematically with individuals’ development. This study examined the effect of positive peer interactions measured as peer acceptance on academic achievement during the adolescence developmental stage. Participants were 766 students aged 11–16 years old. Adolescents completed a sociometric measure of peer acceptance. Academic achievement data were obtained from students’ report card grades. Regression analyses indicated that peer acceptance predicted academic achievement, and also a moderation effect was found displaying a higher impact of peer acceptance on academic achievement for younger adolescents than for older adolescents. It is suggested that improving peer relationships within the group, especially at early adolescence, can be a target of intervention to improve academic functioning at school.

Identifying Child–Staff Ratios That Promote Peer Skills in Child Care

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Early child care policy and practice are grounded in a growing understanding of the importance of the first years of life. In earlier studies, associations between child–staff ratios and peer skills yielded inconsistent findings. The current study used data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1,364) to test the existence of curvilinear associations between child–staff ratios and observed peer skills at the ages of 3 and 4.5 years in order to derive optimal ratios featuring higher levels of peer skills. The findings indicated curvilinear associations between child–staff ratio during the first 3 and 4.5 years and the frequency of positive and negative peer interactions—especially positive peer interactions. Furthermore, these curvilinear associations characterized positive play with a friend at 4.5 years. Optimal child–staff ratios featuring higher levels of peer skills were somewhat lower for positive play with a friend than for the frequency of positive peer interactions. Practice or Policy: Curvilinear associations that point to an optimal value of child–staff ratio may be used to validate child care standards. Optimal child–staff ratios found in the current study coincided with recommended early care standards.

Systematic Review of the Effects of Interventions to Promote Peer Interactions for Children who use Aided AAC

The goals of this systematic review were to investigate studies that implemented interventions to increase or improve peer interaction for children who used aided AAC, to evaluate the strengths and limitations of those studies, and to discuss implications for practice and directions for future research. A systematic search resulted in the identification of 19 studies (56 participants). Studies were coded and summarized in terms of participants, independent and dependent variables, outcomes, and quality of evidence. All 19 studies reported positive effects on interactions with peers, though the results varied in degree. Although the quality of evidence varied, three studies met the standards of conclusive evidence, and an additional five presented preponderant evidence. The most frequently used intervention components were teaching children with complex communication needs how to use AAC within social interactions and teaching peers skills and strategies to promote interaction. While the body of research suggests that intervention can promote positive peer interactions for children with complex communication needs, the evidence for preschool-aged children and children with autism spectrum disorders is relatively sparse.

School-Based Intervention for Social Skills in Children from Divorced Families

Divorce is an increasingly prevalent occurrence in society that has the potential to result in many adverse short- and long-term consequences for children and their parents. Social skills, such as those with peers, are one of the problems that may emerge for children of divorce. Despite this growing problem, there is a paucity of research available to effectively address the social skills needed to build and maintain positive peer interactions and subsequent relationships in students whose parents are no longer married. It was hypothesized that a social skills training program would be effective in remediating social skill deficits related to building relationships with peers in students from divorced families. The purpose of this study was to employ COPE, a school-based social skills program, to examine the effect on social skills in elementary students whose parents are divorced. Results of the social skills intervention indicated that the treatment was effective for most participants, but generalization of the COPE program had mixed results.

유아의 또래 상호작용, 자기조절과 리더십간의 관계 연구: 자기조절의 매개효과 분석

본 연구는 유아의 또래 상호작용과 자기조절, 리더십 간의 관계를 밝히고, 또래와의 상호작용이 유아의 리더십에 미치는 영향에서 자기조절의 매개효과를 알아보는 데 목적이 있다. 연구 대상은 서울, 경인 지역의 유아교육기관에 재원 중인 만 4-5세 유아 211명이었고 유치원과 어린이집 근무한 교사 대상으로 질문지를 조사 실시하여 수집된 자료 분석 하였다. 분석은 SPSS 21 프로그램을 이용하여 평균, 표준편차, 왜도, 첨도, 상관분석을 실시하였고 Amos 21 프로그램을 이용하여 구조방정식모형을 검증하여 다음 결과를 얻었다. 첫째, 유아의 긍정적 또래상호작용, 자기조절, 리더십 간에는 유의한 정적 상관관계가 나타났다. 둘째, 또래상호작용은 유아 리더십에 유의한 영향을 미치지 않았고, 자기조절은 유아 리더십에 긍정적인 효과가 있었다. 또래상호작용은 유아 자기조절에 긍정적인 영향을 미치며 또래상호작용이 유아 리더십에 미치는 영향 관계에서 자기조절은 유의한 매개효과 역할을 하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 유아의 리더십 교육에 있어 주목해야 할 요소로서 유아의 또래 상호작용과 자기조절의 중요성을 시사한다. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between peer interaction, self-regulation and leadership of young children, and examine the mediating effect of self-regulation ability in the effect of peer interaction on the leadership of young children. The subjects of the study were 211 children aged 4 to 5 who attended in child education institutes in the Seoul-Incheon area. A survey was conducted on teachers who worked in kindergartens and day care centers with questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed. For data analysis, SPSS WIN 21 program was used to calculate mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, and correlation analysis was conducted. Also, the structural equation model was validated using Amos 21, and the following results were obtained. First, the positive peer interaction, self-regulation and leadership of children were positively associated. Second, the peer interaction did not have a significant effect on the leadership of young children, and the self-regulation of young children had a positive effect on the leadership of young children. It was found that peer interaction had a positive effect on the self-regulation of young children, and in the relationship of effects on the leadership of young children, the self-regulation was found to play a role of significant mediating effect. Such results are remarkable elements in leadership education for young children, implying the importance of peer interaction and self-regulation of young children.

The Role of Peers and Siblings in Toddlers’ Developing Understanding of Incompatible Desires

AbstractAccording to previous research, social experiences with other children might explain why three‐year‐olds are already quite proficient in understanding desires but not beliefs as subjective mental states. This study investigated toddlers’ (N = 50) developing subjective understanding of incompatible desires around the age of 3 years (M = 35.5 months) and the associated social factors (i.e., family demographics, peer, and sibling variables). Results indicated a developmental sequence from understanding desires to understanding desire‐dependent emotions with an unexpected positivity bias in toddlers’ prediction of own emotions. A hierarchical regression model revealed that specific social factors (i.e., reported quality of peer interactions and day care attendance) individually contributed to explaining the variance in children's desire‐reasoning skills. Findings are interpreted as supporting a belief–desire asymmetry, and specific social experiences, such as positive peer interactions and desire conflicts, may promote toddlers’ understanding of incompatible desires as subjective mental states.

Does Today's Parental Intimacy Predict Tomorrow's Peer Interaction in Daily Lives of Korean Adolescents?: A Mediating Role of Daily Self-Evaluation

The primary purpose of this study was to examine to what extent adolescents' daily self-evaluation mediates the effect of experiencing intimacy in parent-adolescent interactions on positive peer interactions the next day, even after controlling for gender and grade level. We employed a daily diary method for seven days in a sample of 452 Korean adolescents, collecting checklist data at the end of each day. Data were analyzed by using hierarchical linear modeling. According to moderated multilevel mediation analyses, the variance of self-evaluation explained 83% of the variance in the lagged effect of parental intimacy on the next day peer interaction even after the upper-level effects of gender and grade level were accounted for. Forth graders were more likely than 7th graders to have a more positive view of themselves when they experienced parental intimacy the previous day. Girls were less likely to experience positive peer interactions when they perceived less intimacy with their parents the day before. Results suggested that it would be most effective for peer relationship programs to teach parents and adolescents how to experience intimacy in their daily interactions, particularly in ways that help adolescents to think more positively about themselves. It would be helpful for parents to learn about various ways to compliment and encourage the adolescent child in everyday conversations. Lastly, findings in grade level differences also suggest that these programs might be especially effective for 4th graders more than 7th graders.

Preschool interpersonal relationships predict kindergarten achievement: Mediated by gains in emotion knowledge

Using longitudinal data, this study tested a model in which preschool interpersonal relationships promoted kindergarten achievement in a pathway mediated by growth in emotion knowledge. The sample included 164 children attending Head Start (14% Hispanic-American, 30% African-American, 56% Caucasian; 56% girls). Preschool interpersonal relationships were indexed by student–teacher relationship closeness and positive peer interactions. Two measures of emotion knowledge (identifying emotions in photographs, recognizing emotions in stories) were assessed at the start and end of the preschool year. Structural equation models revealed that positive interpersonal relationships (with teachers and peers) predicted gains in emotion knowledge (identification, recognition) during the preschool year. Positive interpersonal relationships in preschool also predicted kindergarten achievement (controlling for initial preschool achievement); however, this association was mediated by gains in emotion knowledge during the preschool year. Implications are discussed for school readiness programs serving economically-disadvantaged children.

Time spent in child care: How and why does it affect social development?

Children who experience early and extensive child care, especially center-based care, are rated by teachers as having more externalizing behavior problems than are other children. This association is reduced, but not eliminated, when care is of high quality, and it varies by socioeconomic disadvantage and the type of behavior assessed. We examine the processes that may account for the quantity effect, concluding that it occurs primarily among relatively advantaged White non-Hispanic families. It appears primarily for teacher-rated behavior, especially externalizing and low self-control, but is not evident for positive behavior and peer interaction skills. Some of the processes accounting for the relation of quantity to behavior are most likely to be poor caregiver-child relationships and negative peer interactions, not reduced attachment to mothers or lowered maternal sensitivity. Many questions remain about duration of effects, developmental and individual differences, more nuanced conceptualizations of both care quality and social behavior, and variations across cultural and ethnic groups.

Social Media and Body Image Concerns: Further Considerations and Broader Perspectives

In this paper we provide a commentary on Perloff’s theoretical perspectives and agenda for research that examines the effects of social media on young women’s body image concerns. Social media are the main form of mass media being used by the youth of today, and researchers in the U.S. and Australia have commenced studying how these may be affecting body image concerns. However, the processes underlying how social media may influence young people’s body image appear to be no different from underlying other forms of mass media. Research is needed to more fully evaluate youth’s experiences of online appearance culture and how this may foster both negative and positive peer interactions. We also need more studies which compare the influences on social media with other media forms as there is no clear evidence that social networking sites and other forms of social media are more detrimental to one’s body image than other forms of media. We also consider factors that may protect young people from internalizing appearance ideals that are promoted by the mass media. In addition, we consider broader conceptualizations of body image so that a wider range of human experiences can be studied.

Child Care Quality in The Netherlands Over the Years: A Closer Look

Research Findings: We assessed the quality of child care in a nationally representative sample of 200 Dutch child care centers using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale–Revised and/or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale–Revised and compared it with a previous assessment in 2005. The Caregiver Interaction Profile (CIP) scales were used to rate the quality of caregiver–child interactions. Results showed a significant and substantial decline in quality compared to 2005, with 49% of the groups now scoring below the minimal level. The CIP scales showed relatively high scores for the basic caregiver interactive skills of sensitive responsiveness, respect for autonomy, and structuring and limit setting but much lower scores for the more educational skills of verbal communication, developmental stimulation, and fostering positive peer interactions. Caregiver sensitive responsiveness was significantly lower in infant groups (0–2 years) than in preschool groups (2–4 years); caregiver respect for autonomy, verbal communication, developmental stimulation, and fostering positive peer interactions were significantly lower in infant groups than in preschool groups and mixed-age groups (0–4 years). Practice or Policy: Quality of child care is not stable across the years, and regular quality assessments are therefore needed to monitor child care quality. The low scores on the more educational versus the more basic caregiver interactive skills indicate that these skills deserve more attention in caregiver education and training. Training programs should be attuned to the individual interaction skill profile of caregivers.

Preservice Teachers’ Learning Among Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This article reports on a collaborative venture between Autism Spectrum Australia and the University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The Social Club network was formed for children and adolescents to provide structured opportunities for positive peer interactions in safe, stimulating and nonjudgmental environments. The Social Clubs were run by expert facilitators with additional workers drawn from preservice teachers undertaking a service-learning unit of study within the Master of Teaching Secondary course at the University of Western Sydney. The research design included surveys and reflections. Data were drawn from 4 sources: 58 parent survey responses, 51 Social Club member survey responses, 9 facilitator survey responses and 9 preservice teachers’ reflections. Data analysis was framed by Bourdieu's work, which refers to the allocation of social power. After the experience, surveyed parents confirmed that their children were relaxed when changing topics in a conversation and working in groups. Members demonstrated that they engaged with other members and with preservice teachers. Club facilitators felt that the preservice teachers developed an understanding that students with autism spectrum disorder thrive in structured environments and that they would set up their own classrooms accordingly. For the future teachers, it was authentic learning that enriched their preparation for the classroom, however multilayered its student population might be.

Promoting Positive Peer Interactions in the Preschool Classroom: The Role and the Responsibility of the Teacher in Supporting Children’s Sociodramatic Play

Teachers play an important role in expanding and supporting children’s play and interactions with peers. This manuscript provides specific guidelines for interventions teachers can use to promote successful peer interactions in preschool settings. The strategies discussed include: (a) preparing the physical environment for play (e.g., toy selection, themes); (b) entering and exiting children’s play gracefully, (c) using talk to promote play episodes and social interactions, and (d) selecting the most appropriate intervention strategies based on direct obeservation.