MODULE 8 PRESENTATION

Fostering peer relationships

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Why this module?» Research says teacher’s

aide support can sometimes hinder friendships developing between students

» There are challenges to supporting a student while fostering their connections to peers.

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Belonging» Caring and supportive relationships are critical to

students’ learning and wellbeing at school» When we are connected, we feel like we belong» It’s important to foster students’ connections with each

other.

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BelongingRelationships, environment and school programmes need to:» recognise students» respect students» include students’ identity,

languages and cultures.

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Belonging» Staff model behaviour and teach students to take

responsibility for each other» Staff with high expectations believe all students can

learn and succeed.

If students are identified as belonging, they are expected to participate

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Peer-to-peer learning» Students learn through peer-to-peer interactions» Teachers can foster this through shared activities, with

students working:– as partners– in teams/groups– with the whole class.

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Peer-to-peer learning» If teachers’ aides provide

one-to-one support, this may make the student dependent on them

» Teachers’ aides need to read a situation and be flexible; is it best to step in or observe?

» Observing provides space for interaction.

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Fostering friendshipsTeachers’ aides can:» look for ways to identify common interests between

students» offer help to students who need support to join in» gauge their proximity to the student; are they helping the

student to make friends or hindering?

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Working together» Teachers and teachers’

aides plan how to ensure students can develop relationships, connect with and learn from their peers.

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Next step?

Download the workbook for this module at: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz/Our-work-together/Module-8

To find out more about Teachers and Teachers’ Aides Working Together and to access the other modules go to: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz

MODULE 8: Fostering peer relationships