46.019 - Peers, Teachers, and Classroom Social Dynamics

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The classroom is an important developmental context for children, but research on factors affecting child outcomes often neglects effects of classroom social dynamics. For example, the relation between children’s’ social behavior and their likeability might differ across classrooms. This symposium focuses on teachers and classroom peer ecologies’ impact on child outcomes in upper elementary grades. Two studies from the Netherlands and one from the USA will be presented, showing that variables tapping the classroom context through teacher and peer ecology characteristics are important for enhancing our understanding of the impact of classrooms on children. The discussion will focus on the studies’ contributions to a conceptualization of classroom level factors in children’s development and on challenges for further research.

Sub Unit

• Dutch Programme Council for Educational Research

Chair

• Theo Wubbels, Utrecht University

Papers

• Teacher Practices, Classroom Peer Ecology, and Student Engagement - Allison M. Ryan, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor; Ellen Altermatt, Hanover College; Elizabeth Anne North, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor; Sarah E. McKellar, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• The Moderating Role of Group Norms in the Association Between Child Behavior and Peer Status - Henrike Klip, Radboud University Nijmegen; Eliane Segers; Marloes Hendrickx, Universiteit Utrecht; Toon Cillessen, Radboud University Nijmegen

• The Teacher as a Social Referent for Classroom Peer Acceptance - Marloes Hendrickx, Universiteit Utrecht; Tim Mainhard, Utrecht University; Henrike Klip, Radboud University Nijmegen; Mieke Brekelmans, Utrecht University

Discussant

• Scott D Gest, The Pennsylvania State University