Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Sally)
Hideo

Could you give me a brief description about peer relations and friendships in your class and school?

Sally

In the class, everyone has good relationships.

Hideo

Does everyone have good relationships?

Sally

Yes, there is no bullying

Hideo

Does everyone have good relationships?

Sally

But….. some pupils are very introverted….so what can I say…..these pupils are…………

Hideo

You mean some pupils are divided into small groups and stay together, is that right?

Sally

Umm…..anyway…….everyone has good relationships

But several pupils are very introverted, and they are not able to relate to other pupils.

Hideo

Aha……..not able to relate other pupils…..

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

I understand.

Well, could you explain the reason why you decided to be a peer supporter?

Sally

Because I want to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Ahaaaa………

Sally

I wanted to take a lead for other pupils….

Hideo

You mean you want to work for other pupils, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Ohhhhhooo…..that is amazing.

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

I think it is bothersome to spend time and work for other pupils, what do you think?

Sally

Ummm……but, everyone tends to listen to what I say…..

Hideo

Are you sure?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Well, how do you feel when you are doing the peer support activities?

Sally

I enjoy it.

Hideo

So you enjoy it? Ohhh…I see…..

Well. I believe you are doing various activities…..like fund-raising activities, cleaning campaign, greeting campaign…….do you think these peer-led activities give good influences to our school life?

Sally

Not really…..I do not think so

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Sally

Because……..even after having peer support activities, some pupils do not greet at all…….thus, there is no influence.

Hideo

So you think the peer support activity did not give a good influence to pupils, is that right?

Sally

No, it did not.

Hideo

Hideo

It did not, is that right?

Sally

No, it did not.

Greeting activities.. did not.

Hideo

I see

Sally

The activities did not give a good influence…

Hideo

I see. Well……but, I believe some pupils improve their attitudes after a greeting activity, is that right?

Sally

I do not know………….but I greet always….

Hideo

Aha….

Sally

I do not care that some pupils do not greet…..

Hideo

Ohooo…..well……you believe peer support activities did not give good influence to them, is that right?

Sally

No…..

Hideo

Do you think peer support has some good influence, what do you think?

Sally

Yahaaa, a bit.

Hideo

I think I understand what you mean.

Well, could you explain the reason why other pupils do not want to be a peer supporter?

Sally

Maybe they are too shy to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Shy?
Sally

Yes.

Sally

Well, if they are not a shy person, do you think pupils would become a peer supporter?

Sally

..also it is bothersome to work as a peer supporter…..

Hideo

Bothersome? And Shyness?

Sally

Yes, something like that.

Hideo

….well…..however, many pupils support the fund-raising campaign, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Maybe pupils want to work as a peer supporter, is that right?

Sally

I do not know.

Hideo

Could you explain why pupils do not want to a peer supporter?

Why they do not actively join?

Sally

I think the reason is shyness….

Hideo

Shyness?

Sally

Especially boys are very shy to do it.

Hideo

Ohhhhooo…I see

Well…

Well, are there any differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and pupils who are not active in joining the activities?

Sally

Ummmm……

Hideo

No difference?

Sally

There are some differences.

Hideo

What are the differences?

Sally

Let me see………….some are good at communicating to others, but some are not.

Hideo

Aha….really?

What do you think about pupils who are not good at communicating with others?

Sally

Pupils who are not good at communicating with others, do not become a peer supporter.

Hideo

I believe some pupils who are not good at communicating with others, also show their altruistic behaviour, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

What do you think about this kind of pupil?

Sally

They are not good at being in front of people.

Hideo

But, I believe this kind of pupil (shy & not good at communicating with others) actively join the volunteer activities, is that right?

Sally

Because they have conscience, and they gather for the volunteer activities.

Hideo

Aha….you mean they do not mind to join the activities, even they are shy and not good at communicating with others, is that right?

Sally

Maybe

Hideo

I guess these pupils are too shy to take actions as a peer supporter, but they still want to do something…;

Sally

I believe some pupils want to contribute to something good for others………especially pupils who join the volunteering activities.

Hideo

Ahaa…I see. I understand.

Well, do you think the school needs to have peer support systems?

Maybe we do not need it.

Sally

Errrrr………..without peer support, the school atmosphere cannot be better and brighter….

Hideo

I believe teachers can also contribute to it, is that right?

Sally

Because some pupils do not listen to what teachers say, thus pupils ask them to do.

Hideo

Why do you prefer pupils to ask other pupils to do something?

What is wrong with teachers asking pupils to do it?

Sally

Teachers always behave in an imperative manner, and they say things like “do it!”.

They do not say it respectfully….. like “shall we do it?”.

But, when pupils asked us, they tend to say things like “Shall we do it together!”

Hideo

Ahaaaa…..there is a difference.

But some teachers, like Mr. Tanaka, ask in a respectful manner, like “Hi everyone, shall we do it!”

Sally

If teachers ask me in that way, I would like to do what they say.

We have a few boys who misbehave in our class. Generally these boys do not listen to what the teachers say, but when I ask him, they sometimes improve their attitudes.

Hideo

Ohhh….could you give an example?

Sally

Let me see……..some boys tend to leave the school and go back home earlier than usual. Thus teachers ask them not to leave earlier than usual, but they ignore the teacher’s order. However, when I say to the boys, “Please do not leave earlier today”. Then boys stay in a class until school finished.

Hideo

Ohhhhh……you mean pupils tend to listen to what other pupils’ say rather than what teachers say to them, is that right?

Sally

Probably, yes.

Hideo

Are there any differences between when you are asked by adults and when you are asked by pupils in the same generation?

Sally

Yes, there is a difference. Because when pupils are asked by teachers, we think teachers ask everyone to do it…….what can I say……when asked by pupils, I feel like I should take action.

Hideo

Why?

Sally

Say……….teachers just want to give orders to some misbehaved pupils who behave in a negative manner.

But pupils politely ask the pupils individually to do something.

Generally pupils just need to do their own business. They do not need to leave others alone.

But pupils ask them in a friendly manner to do something like “shall we do it together!”, thus they feel like they want to make efforts together.

Hideo

Ohhhhhhh…….maybe you feel their warm heart as a friend, is that right?

Sally

Yes, what can I say…yes.

Hideo

Is that a kind of friendship?

Sally

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Ohhhhh…you feel friendships

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Well, if that is so, it is better to encourage pupils to work together as this is a more effective way, is that right?

Sally

I think so.

Hideo

Do you think it is more effective in terms of study or in terms of their behaviours? Or both?

Sally

Both.

Hideo

That sounds great.

Sally

Yes I think so.

Hideo

In this sense, do you believe school needs the peer support systems?

Sally

Yes, we need peer support.

Hideo

You mean…. pupils can have the right to decide what pupils need to do and also take actions together, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

I really believe this is a better way.

Hideo

Well.

Do you have any ideas to improve current peer support activities?

If you have, could you explain them to me?

Sally

We can increase our joyful school events, which enhance our peer relationships in class.

One of the examples is a sports meeting. This enhances our peer relationships in class, and also this is a joyful activity.

Some pupils are not good at sports, but still they can join some activities which enhance their unity with other pupils.

Hideo

You mean school events enhance peer relationships in class, is that right?

Sally

Yes, I think so. The school events make our relationships……….What can I say………

Hideo

You mean pupils are able to be united, is that right?

Sally

Yes, I think so.

Someone needs to take a lead, especially pupils need to take a lead……..then these pupils are able to ask everyone to do it……..something life that..

Hideo

Would it be ok for teachers to take a lead for pupils?

Sally

Teachers should not!.......Hahahaha

Hideo

I see.

Well, you prefer pupils to take a lead for pupils, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Ohhhh…

So you believe this is the way to improve the school life, is that right?

Sally

I believe so.

Hideo

In short, peer relationships are improved, is that right?

Sally

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Hideo

Maybe you mean……pupils can talk to other pupils who have not talked to each other before.

Sally

Mummmm…….if peer relationships are getting better, these things happen.

When pupils have a very good relationship, teachers can also have good relations with pupils.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Well, if you have had a good experience as a peer supporter, could you tell me?

Sally

When I was doing warming-up exercise in front of other pupils, other pupils followed my warming-up exercise. Then, when I said “1,2,3,4,” to the rhythm, other pupils also said “5,6,7,8,” to the rhythm. If I do my duty properly, other pupils do it properly too.

Thus teachers praise me for my performance, and also I believe I did something good for other pupils.

Hideo

So you believe you did something good for other pupils, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

I understand.

Do you have any positive experience?

Sally

When I was in primary school, I was too shy to stand in front of people. But when I went to secondary school, I become a peer supporter. Then I made a firm resolution to stand in front of others no matter what. Then I was okay to stand in front of pupils and I did not feel shy.

Hideo

So you was used to be a shy person, is that right?

Sally

Yes, I was shy….hahahaha….

Hideo

Ohhh…….are you okay to speak in front of others now?

Sally

Yes, now I am able to speak to anyone

Hideo

That is good! So you can talk to various people, can’t you?

Sally

Yes, when I was in primary school, I only used to talk to my close friends.

But now I can talk to everyone in my class.

Hideo

I believe you have gained many friends, haven’t you?

Sally

Yes, I have gained, gained.

Hideo

So you gain your friends after becoming a peer supporter, is that right?

Sally

Yes. When I was in primary school, I used to have 2 or 3 friends. But now I have many many friends.

Hideo

Ahaaaa……doing peer support is good for you!

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Could you explain the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Sally

My joyful experience was sports meeting……what can I say….

……what is………………sorry, what was the question?

Hideo

What is the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Anything will be okay.

Sally

……..Ummmm……..

Hideo

Maybe you have too many joyful experiences….

Sally

When I spoke over a public-address system, I enjoyed it when listening to my favourite music.

When I was at the sports meeting, I stood in front of pupils while holding a placard. I enjoyed it.

I think I wanted to be the centre of attention.

Hideo

Hahahahah….

Sally

It is boring to do the same things as others do.

Hideo

Aha…..are you sure?

Sally

I am sure.

Hideo

You might be the same as I feel.

I think it is boring to do the same things as others do.

Sally

Hahahaha….

Hideo

I see….I am gradually understanding you.

Well, what things do you not like about peer support?

Sally

Errrr……..the things I do not like in peer support?

No….nothing……….but I do not like to make feedback reports.

Hideo

Is that all? Good.

Sally

I have nothing that I do not like in peer support…

Hideo

Do you have any difficulties when you are doing peer support?

Sally

Last year, when I was taking lead of a clean-up campaign, everyone did not listen to what I was saying. I did not like this experience.

Hideo

Could you explain why everyone did not listen to what you said?

Were they noisy?

Sally

Yes, they were so noisy. Everyone was chatting to each other. Thus teachers asked them to be quite, then eventually everyone listened to me.

Hideo

Aha……You may feel like you were ignored by everyone, is that right?

Sally

Yes…..because they were chatting….

Hideo

I see. Do you have any other difficulties?

Sally

…………………

Hideo

Do you have any other?

Sally

No.

Hideo

Well, what do you think about difficulties?

Sally

……….but…….if I asked pupils, they listen to what I say………

Hideo

Do you think you need to face difficulties?

Do you think you do not need difficulties? or

Do you want to escape from difficulties?

Sally

I do not want to escape from difficulties, I would like to face them, and cope with them.

Hideo

Ohooo…..I think you are so positive person, is that right?

Sally

Hahahaha……

Hideo

Well, when you face the problems, have you asked your supervisor for help?

Sally

I have not asked teachers for help because my problem was not serious at all.

Hideo

So you did not have serious problems, is that right?

Sally

But, if I do not know something, I always ask teachers and my friends about the problems…

Hideo

So your friends give you a help, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

So teachers give you a help too, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

I understand.

Well, do you have any negative experiences in peer support?

You just mention everyone did not listen to you, is that all?

Sally

Yes, that’s all.

Hideo

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Sally

Ummmmm……let me see………..I was happy when everyone listened to me.

Hideo

I see. Maybe you feel joy, fulfilment, something like that?

Sally

Ummmmm……..when I talked to everyone, they shared their opinions with me. So I thought everyone listened to me properly. I was pleased about it.

Hideo

Hooo……some time ago, you mentioned that it is key to involve other pupils into activities in order to have great activities………

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils?

Sally

Pupils need to talk to various people.

Hideo

Who are the various people?

Sally

Pupils……..various pupils…..

Hideo

If you talk to various pupils, do you think they can listen to you?

Sally

If I talk to pupils individually, they properly listen to what I say.

Hideo

So they listen to what you say, is that right?

Sally

If I talk to pupils individually, they do not ignore me…I think.

Hideo

So this is a way to involve other pupils into peer support activities, is that right?

Sally

I think this can involve other pupils into.

Hideo

Heee….I see

Well, do you have any other ideas how to involve other pupils?

Sally

Teachers positively ask pupils to join…..something like that.

Hideo

Is that possible to involve pupils?

I believe pupils do not like to be asked by teachers, is that right?

Sally

Aha……..well……….it is the way pupils ask other pupils, I think.

Hideo

Aha….are you sure? Is that the best way?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Well….I believe some pupils show negative attitudes toward peer support activities, so how do you make contact with them?

Sally

You mean pupils who think bothersome about peer support, is that right?

Hideo

Yes, so, how do you make contact with them?

Sally

……………

Hideo

Maybe this kinds of pupils want to join as well…….

Sally

I can talk to them properly. I talk to them individually face to face……something like that.

Hideo

Do you think talking individually face to face is a good way?

Sally

Yes. Because when I talk to a group of pupils, they joke with each other and do not listen to me properly.

Hideo

Well, have you felt down because of peer support?

Sally

No, I haven’t.

Hideo

I see. If you haven’t felt down, it is alright.

Sally

I always think positively.

Hideo

So you always think positively…..

Well, when you had advice from teachers, was is useful?

Sally

Yes, it was useful.

Hideo

Could you give an example?

Sally

Nothing….

Hideo

What do you think about current peer support activities in your school?

Sally

Aha…….I think it is very active and good.

Hideo

Are you satisfied with it?

Sally

I am not satisfied with it.

Hideo

You are not satisfied with it……

Sally

I want to improve the school events a bit more……. like more actively……so everyone can enjoy them.

Hideo

Ohhh….could you explain the reason why?

Sally

If we can improve the school events to be a bit more active, our school life would be more enjoyable…

Hideo

Ohhhh…..

Sally

Some pupils do not like school life, but these pupils may like school life (after engaging in the activities).

Hideo

Ahaaaa……you mean it is easier for pupils who do not like school, to come to school, is that right?

Sally

Currently, we have several pupils who are in school refusal. We need some peer support activities, which allow these pupils to join in.

Hideo

You mean we create a good school atmosphere, which encourage pupils to come to school, is that right?

Sally

Yes, I think so. If everyone comes to school and feels bored….this is not good. Rather they enjoy their school life……something like that.

Hideo

I see……in short, you want to enhance peer relationships through the school events, is that right?

Sally

I think so. Errrr…

Hideo

Through the school events, pupils enhance peer relationships, is that right?

Sally

I think so. Because, if our class play at tug of war against another class, it is so exciting and we can really make efforts as a class.

Hideo

I think so.

Sally

I think everyone encourages each other, and also they work together.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits.

So how do you think about school summits?

Sally

I think that is a good activity.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Sally

Ummm…….

Hideo

Maybe it is fine that only your school has a school summit.

What do you think?

Sally

Ummm……..we can learn something good from other schools….and

Hideo

If there are no school summits, would you have trouble?

Sally

No…I would not have trouble…but…ummm…..what can I say…..

Hideo

Do you want to have school summits?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Secondary school pupils organise anti-bullying drama, don’t they.

I believe pupils from 12 schools in a city have been organizing an anti-bullying drama.

If there are no anti-bullying dramas, would you have trouble?

Do you think you need anti-bullying dramas?

Sally

I need anti-bullying dramas.

Hideo

Why do you think?

Have you seen anti-bullying dramas?

Sally

I have seen it.

Hideo

How about it? Do you need it?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Could you explain the reason why?

Sally

If we stay in our school, we would have narrowed views………what can I say……..I do not know.

Hideo

So you mean you do not know the reason, but you prefer to have the school summits, is that right?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Once again, well, do you feel any difference between pupils who actively join the activities and pupils who do not actively join?

You mentioned, some pupils are too shy to take actions.

If these shy pupils have some responsibilities, do you think they would actively take actions?

Sally

I think they do not take actions.

Hideo

Is that because they are too shy?

Sally

They are reluctant to…….because they think other pupils should do it….

Hideo

I see. Thank you.

Finally, do you have anything to tell me?

Sally

To whom do I need to tell?

Hideo

Umm? Now I am asking you about your peer support activities. Can you explain to me anything extra you know about it?

Sally

Yes.

Hideo

Do you have any other comments?

Sally

How?

Hideo

You can say anything you like.

Like……….”I am doing something…..”

Do you have any comments?

Sally

Ummm……I am taking actions for others. I want to be the centre of attention. Hahaha…..

Hideo

I believe, if you are doing peer support activities, you must be busy.

Do you have enough time to do study?
Sally

I have a plenty of time.

Hideo

Do you improve your school record?

Sally

Ummm….my school record was good last year. But it is gradually getting lower.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Do you have any comments?

Sally

No I do not.

Hideo

Thank you very much for your help over a long time.

Sally

Thank you.