Coaching Children to Collaborate Effectively With Classmates

• In Event: Social-Emotional Factors in Educational Contexts

Abstract

Educators have long recognized that peers are an effective resource for promoting children’s academic achievement, and many forms of peer-mediated learning (PML) are widely used in U.S. schools to increase student motivation, engagement, and active forms of learning. However, the extent to which children profit from PML may depend on their ability to relate and work constructively with agemates. Even socially adept children may need to develop specialized skills to work effectively with peers who learn and work differently from themselves. Because it cannot be assumed that children possess the skills needed for PML, we have developed (and will discuss) the 4R SUCCESS program which is a teacher-implemented SEL program that coaches social, emotional and academic learning skills while students are engaging in PML activities.

Author

• Becky Kochenderfer-Ladd, Arizona State University - Tempe