Creating

Group Culture Positive Peer

Importance: Relationships &
First Look Group Culture
American Philosopher and eduator John A Resource Guide to creating and
Dewey emphasized that a students life
within a classroom should mimic that of
nurturing positive peer relationships
what they will face in society. Ensuring through Collaborative Learning
positive group interactions is the best Opportunities.
way to implement this into the modern
classroom.
Jones, J. & Jones, L. (2013). Comprehensive classroom management: Creating communities of support and solving

In a world where classrooms are charac- Lynch, L., & Ferriman, J. (2018, February 7). How to Run Effective Group Projects in Online
(2018, February 7). Tips on How to Avoid People Pleasing in Group Projects. Retrieved from

Education. Retrieved from https://www.learndash.com/run-effective-group-projects-online-

terized by large enrollment numbers and
high levels of interaction, giving students
the necessary interpersonal and social
skills through group settings should be a
https://studybreaks.com/college/people-pleasing-in-group-projects/

pinnacle priority for all educators.

problems (10th ed.). United States of America: Pearson Education, Inc.

James-Andrew Hearn
Contributors:
Citation List

Gabriel Halsey

EDTE 480
Alisha Bange
education/
 Acquainting the Class
People usually feel more relaxed and comfortable in
discussions and other activities with people they
know, and students experience similar feelings. By
implementing activities to enhance positive peer rela-
tionships, we increase the likelihood that a wider
range of peers will be accepted and supported.
Therefore, teachers can be able to access and use peer
-acquaintance activities that are designed to help stu-
Implementing these strategies early will set a posi-
tive and productive undertone for the entire school
year. There is an endless list of activities that can
assist in positive group culture. Don’t be afraid to
get creative!
Inspiring a Positive
School Environment

Understanding the dents get better acquainted with one another so that
they will feel safe, secure, and become more engaged
Group Process in the learning process. As a teacher, it’s essential
that you include acquaintance activities while teaching
your content.
There are 6 steps that all, healthy or unhealthy, class-
room group environments experience:
Strategies in Establishing
All about Relationships!
Relationships are the key to inspiring positive
school environment. Healthy teacher-teacher,
teacher-student, and student-student relationships
ensure positive student behavior and achievement.

1. Dependency: Students look towards an authori-

ty figure to provide structure & instruction.
Positive, Supportive, Providing opportunities for students to work to-

2. Inclusion: Group members worry about a sense
of belonging, and whether they are as competent
as other members.
3. Control: Discussions of group leadership opera-
tion and decision making arise.
4. Resolution: Members listen to each other more
effectively and group cohesiveness is now estab-
lished.
5. Production: Student production is at its peak,
and the educator simply needs to be attentive to
social and academic needs.
Peer-Focused Culture
Elementary
Class Spirit - Class chooses
a class name, color, cheer,
poem, etc.
Photo Album - Students
take pictures and write
descriptions that can be
posted on a bulletin board.
Secondary
Five Square - A game
where students work co-
operatively to reach a goal
while discussing the be-
haviors that facilitated or
Group Contributions -
Write down different ways
each individual can con-
tribute to the group.
gether also creates a positive school environment
for students. Having a school environment that
encourages effective classroom management will
minimize the occurrence of harassment and bully-
ing behaviors. Another way to inspire a positive
school environment is to encourage multicultural-
ism. To accomplish this, school staff can implement
activities that are lead by parents from various cul-
tural backgrounds. Remember, healthy and produc-
tive relationships are the cornerstone of creating
positive peer relationships in the classroom.

6. Adjournment: Closure of the group environ- Special Days - Everyone Tower Building - Each
ment. Discussion & review follows shortly after. might wear the same color, group is given supplies to
a favorite hat, dress from a build the highest tower.
In order to maximize the inclusion of group projects particular era, etc. Then, they discuss a factor
in the classroom, teachers must be cognizant of guid- that facilitated their work.
ing and assessing students through these stages in a
healthy manner. Doing so increases the likelihood of Service Projects - Solve a Group Decision Making
common problem or assist - Include the students in
a more supportive, and positive group culture. others together as a class. making decisions about
the class.