Peer Conversation as Relational Identity Exploration Around Educational Decision Making

• In Event: 52.085 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: 52.085-1 - Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanisms through which adolescents engaged in conversation facilitate or hinder their peers’ identity exploration around educational decision-making. Analysis focused on three 9th graders discussing their upcoming high-school track choices. It followed a framework for promoting identity exploration (Kaplan, Sinai & Flum, 2014) combined with an Interaction Process Analysis (Bales, 1950). Findings pointed to ways peers’ promoted and constrained exploration by operating on exploration relevance, trigger, safety and scaffold. It also pointed to the intersection of these operations, highlighting the delicate balance required in order to promote adaptive exploration. The findings further highlight the potential of peer conversations to support identity exploration and educational decision making, underscoring their value within designed educational environments.

Authors

• Dana Vedder-Weiss, Ben Gurion University of the Negev

• Avi Kaplan, Temple University