Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Ken)
Hideo

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

Ken

Well, in my class, some pupils often misbehave, but boys and girls have good supportive relationships.

Hideo

What do you mean some pupils misbehave?

Ken

During the class, some pupils ignore the teachers and speak to other pupils…like that

Hideo

But pupils have good relationships, is that right?

Ken

Pupils have good relations.

They are always talking with others who sit in the next seat.

Hideo

So pupils are talking with other pupils and keep communicating with each other, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

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

Ken

When I was a primary school pupil, I became a class representative.

Then I wanted to do something in the secondary school as well.

Hideo

Ohhh….. did you enjoy being a class representative?

Ken

Yes. I could learn many things in various ways

Hideo

Well, you thought if you became a peer supporter, you would learn many things again, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I see. You like to look after others, is that right?

Ken

Probably, I think so.

Hideo

You must be nervous….

It seems tough to speak in front of people, is that right?

Ken

True. I was very shy... but gradually I get used to do it.

Hideo

Ahhh. You mean you were not good at speaking in front of people, is that right?

Ken

Yes. I was the worst at speaking in front of people.

Hideo

Hahaha. I understand.

You have been a peer supporter for a year now, haven’t you.

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Well, How do you feel when you are doing peer support?

Ken

I feel satisfaction. When we could decide various things after discussion with other pupils, I am so satisfied with what I did.

Hideo

I see.

You feel you did something good, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Ken

You are right.

Hideo

If what I say is not correct, please let me know.

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Your comments are very important, so please share any thoughts with me.

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Well, could you explain to me how does peer support contribute to the improvement of the school ethos?

Ken

Depending on pupils…. ….but some pupils start feeling they want to contribute to the local society.

Hideo

Did you have cleaning campaigns in the local areas?

Ken

We have done in the school, but the previous time, we had it in the local park.

I believe our cleaning campaign was held to contribute to the local area which supports us.

We do cleaning in the school, because we make a mess in our school. So we need to take responsibility for it.

Probably, many pupils feel the same, thus they would like to join the cleaning.

Hideo

I see

Ken

Also it seems to be the time for us to reconsider our behaviours.

Hideo

Reconsider means, pupils reflect on their behaviours, is that right?

Ken

Yes. Well….. many pupils make mess in the school. I feel that is not good.

We should not make messy.

Hideo

I see. Pupils can have the opportunities to reflect on their behaviours, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

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

Ken

If the pupils try to do it, I believe they can do it. But everyone feels shy about it.

Pupils need to actively……….. well…..I am sorry, what was the question?

Hideo

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

Ken

The main reason is they feel shy when they take actions as a peer supporter.

Hideo

The main reason is shyness, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Do you think everyone is willing to do something good?

Ken

Many pupils are willing to do something good, but there are only a few pupils who are able to put their feelings into actions.

Hideo

Is that because of shyness?

Ken

Probably, I think so.

Hideo

Is that a difference? Do you think so?

Ken

I think so.

Hideo

How about peer supporters encouraging the pupils to overcome their shyness?

Ken

Even if peer supporters encouraged the pupils, probably they would not take actions.

But if the pupils are continuously encouraged, maybe they will join the activities.

Hideo

Friends encourage the pupils, just like ….“just try it, just try it”, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I see. I understand

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

Ken

I think there are some differences…..

Hideo

What are the differences?

Ken

Well, maybe some pupils want to contribute to something good for other people. Thus

These pupils would like to actively join……….

Hideo

Take it easy………we have plenty of time for interview.

Ken

Sorry, what was a question?

Hideo

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

Ken

Ahhh. As you know……….as I mentioned, if pupils wanted to contribute to something good…..if they have grateful feelings towards others, they would make efforts and take actions. If pupils do not have grateful feelings towards others, they would not make efforts to work for others.

Thus, anyone would join the activities, if they have grateful feelings towards others.

Hideo

I see.

Well, you mean any pupils who have grateful feelings towards others…. they would take actions if there are opportunities for them to...is that right?

Ken

If there are some opportunities, they would do it.

Hideo

Peer supporters are always working for others even if there are no opportunities…..

Ken

Well……. But even pupils who do not actively take actions, would do something if they really want to do something good.

Hideo

Well, pupils who generally do not actively take actions, are not thinking about contributing to others, is that right?

Ken

Well, when pupils speak in front of people, pupils would be ashamed….

Also the pupils do not want to be blamed by others…..

Hideo

Is it important how pupils are seen by others?

Ken

Yes, it seems very important.

Hideo

How important?

Ken

When pupils share their ideas or opinions, they may be told by others “what you said is not right!” then, the next time the pupils hesitate to share their ideas.

Hideo

I understand what you are saying. I see.

For the secondary school pupils, it seems very important how they are seen by others….

The pupils worry about others’ opinions.

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is not right?

Ken

Yes, you are right. Well, the pupils tend to take others’ opinions to heart.

Hideo

I understand.

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

Ken

As you know……..if we always rely on teachers, there might be a risk that our school life will deteriorate.

If only teachers decide many things of our school life without listening to pupils’ opinions, pupils would not want to do what teachers say……..

If pupils discussed and made the plans, other pupils would tend to listen more obediently to what the pupils said.

Hideo

Ahah….. I see. Is that true that pupils tend to listen to other pupils’ opinions who are from the same generation, compared to listening to adults’ opinions?

Ken

Occasionally pupils doubt whether teachers are right or not.

Hideo

I see.

Ken

Some pupils often doubt what teachers say…… …. But pupils tend to follow the ideas and opinions of other pupils, because they are the pupils as well.

Hideo

I see. Pupils tend to listen to what other pupils said.

Is that because other pupils are from the same generation?

Ken

Yes, that is true.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

If what I said is not right, please let me know.

I need your help to check my comments are right or not.

Because now I am an adult as well.

I see

In terms of their feelings and opinions, do you think there are some differences between teachers and pupils?

Ken

I think their opinions are a slightly different.

Teachers tend to say they feel the same ways as we (pupils) feel. But in terms of pupils’ views, pupils doubt whether teachers just pretend to share the same feelings as pupils feel or not.

Hideo

Do you think teachers are not able to understand pupils’ issues, like relationships among pupils, pupils’ feelings?

Ken

Ahhh….. as you know various pupils have their individualities. But teachers tend to ignore our individualities, and treat us as a mass (all together).

Therefore, I want teachers to respect our individualities and talk to us carefully.

I believe teachers do not know understand our individualities and teachers need to clean up their behaviours.

Hideo

Well, pupils want teachers to respect and listen to pupils’ opinions, is that right?

Ken

Think about………. ……….pupils’ opinions are very different depending on the pupil.

If teachers talk to pupils one-sidedly, some pupils would think what teachers said is not right.

Hideo

You mean teachers need to make a compromise with pupils, otherwise even if teachers talked to pupils, the pupils would not listen properly, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Pupils want teachers to understand pupils’ feelings and thoughts first of all, then teachers need to talk to pupils, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I see.

Well, it seems like the teachers are not able to understand some parts of pupils’ life.

Well, do you have any idea how to improve current peer support activities?

If you have, could you explain to me?

Ken

…………………

Hideo

What is your ideal situations?

Ken

Situation like……..pupils are able to manage their school life without teachers’ advice.

Hideo

By pupils?

Ken

We pupils would like to manage our things……..

Hideo

You mean pupils take their own initiative and carry out their things by themselves, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

In short, pupils take their initiative to manage their things and try to stand on their own feet, is that right?

Ken

Yes

Hideo

Am I right? If what I said is not right, please let me know.

Ken

Yes. We pupils need to decide things to do, but…….. ….

often teachers give us advice….. ……. But….we pupils need to listen to what other pupils want to do, then we pupils have to decide what we need to do.

This means pupils take the initiative for their own activities.

Hideo

You want to accept and reflect other pupils’ opinions, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

You want to listen to more opinions from other pupils, is that right?

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

Ken

Well, ….. for example, generally when peer supporters have decided something, peer supporters often asked teachers for their advice.

But rather than asking teachers, peer supporters ask other pupils to share their opinions. Then if they gave many positive comments, we pupils try to carry out the things.

So rather asking teachers about their opinions, we need to ask other pupils.

Hideo

You have often asked teachers for their opinions about your plans, is that right?

Ken

I have been asking teachers for their advice, but I want to take the initiative to carry out our things.

Hideo

You often asked the teachers for their opinions when you did your activities, is that right?

Also, you, peer supporters want accept and reflect other pupils’ opinions, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Then, your activities would really be peer-led activities, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I see

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

Ken

As you know. Before joining the peer support team, I hesitated to give advice to other pupils……..

Hideo

Why?

Ken

I would feel bad when other pupils said to me “I cannot do that”…

Hideo

Ahhhh. You are frightened to be refused by others, is that right?

Ken

Yes, but when I needed more pupils, I was able to contact many pupils and ask them to join the activities.

Hideo

You talk about your activities, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

You became more active, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Ken

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

You became more active than before, is that right?

Ken

Yes.
Hideo

For example, how did you change yourself?

Ken

…………….

I became more active……. …as you know, my own opinions are……

I used not to think about my own idea and opinions much, but now I seriously think about my own opinions and actively share them with other pupils.

Hideo

That is a great change. Because if you do not share your thoughts, no one knows your opinions.

Do you have any other good experience as a peer supporter?

Ken

Sometimes, when I discussed the things with other peer supporters, I often received negative comments, ….like…”what you are saying is not right!”……

But I did not hesitate to share my opinions.

Hideo

So you behaved confidently. You mean you gained more confidence than before, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

But, if you gain too much confidence, you would be arrogant....

Well.

Could you explain the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Ken

When I created a video for the school summits, I really enjoyed a lot.

Hideo

You enjoyed creating a video, is that right?

Ken

When I was making……. I took various ideas into the video presentation. How to present our class information. I enjoyed taking action for my class.

Hideo

I see. Many peer supporters mentioned similar comments.

Rather than carrying out the activities and giving presentations, they enjoy making preparations.

Do you know the reason why?

Ken

Well….. …….giving a presentation is ……. Ummmmm….. as you know…..

When we make preparations, we discuss many things with others and we can learn others’ thoughts and views.

Hideo

How many pupils attended the preparation?

Ken

About 4 pupils…. But we had many different ideas and I really enjoyed learning others’ views and thoughts.

Hideo

Ahhhhh. It sounds like you had a satisfying time. The 4 pupils worked for your class mate.

Ahhh.

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

Ken

As you know… … peer supporters often received advice from teachers when they gave their talks at assemblies. I believe there were fewer opportunities for peer supporters to think about contents of their talks before they gave their talks at the assemblies. Peer supporters need to take the lead to carry out their responsibilities.

Hideo

I see

It sounds difficult for you.

Ken

No, not difficult.

Hideo

Is it difficult for you to do that?

Ken

If I really want to, I can do that.

Hideo

I see.

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

Ken

I mentioned that I enjoy making preparations, but if I think too much about the activities, I feel I can’t be bothered to think about it.

Sometimes I give up thinking when I think about difficult issues.

Hideo

I see

Do you have any other difficulties?

For example, when other pupils consulted you, you needed to work very hard… something like that.

Ken

Well, other pupils did not consult me much.

Hideo

Do you have any other?

Ken

……………………

Hideo

You did not have many hardships?

Ken

No, not many.

Hideo

Well, what do you think about difficulties?

Ken

They were tough experiences for me, but when I overcame the difficulties, I had a real sense of achievement.

Hideo

Because of a real sense of achievement, you think difficulties are okay for you, is that right?

Ken

I can carry out our activities with having difficulties, and I would feel joy with that.

But when I have difficulties, I definitely feel more joy after finishing all my responsibilities.

In this sense, it is very important for me to experience the difficulties.

Hideo

The more you have difficulties, the more you feel a real sense of achievement, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Is it possible for you to feel a real sense of achievement without difficulties?

Ken

I do not feel a real sense of achievement if I do not have difficulties.

Hideo

I see

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

Ken

Well………… …… let me think …………..well

When peer supporters discussed some issues, sometime our discussions did not go well. Then teachers gave us advice, then we peer supporters were able to discuss the issues again and shared many opinions.

Hideo

I see

Do you have any other help from teachers?

Ken

Teachers……ummm……

Hideo

Nothing?

Ken

When I was creating a video for the school summits……

Hideo

Is your teacher Mr. Nakamaya?

Ken

Mr. Nakayama.

Hideo

Ahhh….Mr. Nakamaya.

Ken

When I was creating a video, many problems occurred. I asked teacher for help, then I could continue to make the preparations.

Hideo

I see

Do you have any negative views toward the difficulties and problems?

Ken

When I face the difficulties, I know I would feel a real sense of achievement after overcoming the issues. But I still have negative feelings and I may hesitate to tackle the issues.

Hideo

You may feel that way….

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

However, because of a real sense of achievements, I would like to tackle the issues, is that right?

Ken

I know I would feel a real sense of achievements later……… but when I face the issues, I feel the issues are too difficult to cope with….. thus I cannot have time to think about a real sense of achievements. I am apt to think about only the difficulties…

Hideo

I see

Well, what are the most important things when you overcome the difficulties?

Ken

I think willpower is very important.

Hideo

Ohhhh. Willpower.

What do you mean willpower?

Ken

Many times I felt tired and down in the middle of peer support. I need to have a sense of responsibility to finish the things properly. If I have a sense of responsibility to finish the things properly, I am able to take actions again and again. Also I can spend a long time to check and carry out peer support activities. But if ordinary pupils have some problems, only pupils who have willpower would be able to carry on their activities.

Hideo

I see. Willpower is to ability to continuously take actions, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Ken

Even though I can’t explain the degree of hardships as large or small, if I went through large hardships, then, the next upcoming small hardships, (like my studies), would not be amounting to much. Even when I am struggling with the small hardships, I try to think like ‘this is nothing’. Sometimes small hardships are still difficult for me, but I am able to make an effort to overcome them.

Hideo

I see.

Do you think your school record has improved after joining the peer support team?

Ken

Well, before exams, sometimes I could not concentrate on my studies. At that time, my school record fell a bit. ….in the end, I made an effort to study hard for 5 hours, and then the time and effort put into working towards them did not betray me. My school records were improved.”

Hideo

Ohhh. That is good.

If your school record fell because of peer support activities, I would not be happy at all.

Ken

I think so.

Hideo

Some time ago, you mentioned involving other pupils into activities……

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils?

Ken

As you know, it would be good for peer supporters to try to involve our close friends at first. Then, these close friends can try to ask their friends to join the activities. Then gradually our supportive relationships would expand from our close friends.

Hideo

You want to involve your close friends into peer support, is that right?

Ken

Our friends try to ask their friends to join, then their friends try to ask other pupils to join as well. Eventually all pupils would be involved.

Hideo

Ohhh. I see. Is that different from teachers’ encouragements?

Ken

When teachers encourage pupils to join, the pupils feel they are being told in an imperative tone. We pupils feel so.

Hideo

How about if teachers encourage pupils to join in a soft tone?

Ken

Well…..when teachers encourage pupils……

pupils tend not to follow teachers’ orders obediently.

Hideo

I see. Even if teachers suggested good things, pupils tend not to follow teachers’ orders, is that right?

Ken

The pupils often doubt whether teachers tell lies or not.

Hideo

Hahaha. I feel sorry for teachers.

I see. The pupils tend to think so.

I understand how you feel.

So, the best way to involve the pupils is that pupils encourage other pupils to join, is that right?

Ken

When pupils were encouraged to join by their friends, pupils tend to think to join positively. Even if the pupils could not join, they would tend to join easily next time.

Hideo

To be encouraged by friends is a very influential in various ways

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

It seems to connect to the next opportunity, is that right?

Ken

I think so.

Hideo

I seem to understand it. Even pupils who refused friends’ request once, it seems to be very difficult to refuse again next time, is that right?

Ken

I think so.

Hideo

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

Ken

Some pupils who show negative attitude toward peer support activities, are still able to listen to what their friends say. As you know, when I speak to misbehaved pupils, they can listen to what I am saying a bit.

Hideo

I see. Even in a group of misbehaved pupils, some pupils are still able to listen to other pupils talk.

Ken

These pupils who misbehave seem to think of things in a negative way, but they just tend to doubt other pupils’ talks.

Hideo

But, you would like to talk to them, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

These pupils who misbehave may talk to their friends, is that right?

Ken

No. As you know, I do not think misbehaved pupils would encourage other misbehaved pupils. But even if one of the misbehaved pupils joined the activities, other misbehaved pupils may think about the activities. There is also the possibility that they may join.

Hideo

I see. There is also the possibility for misbehaved pupils, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

So there are some possibilities, is that right?

Ken

Yes

Hideo

Because there are some possibilities, that is the reason why peer supporters want to share information with them, is that right?

Ken

No, not right. Peer supporters should not continuously encourage misbehaved pupils.

If they are persistently asked to join, they tend to be irritated by peer supporters.

Therefore, peer supporters need to encourage them lightly, and this would be more effective.

Hideo

When peer supporters encourage misbehaved pupils lightly, but not persistently, this would be more effective, is that right?

Ken

When the pupils who misbehave are encouraged persistently by others, they would be irritated and behave in more rebellious manner.
Hideo

Ohhh. I see. You explained it very well. You would be a psychologist in future.

I understand.

When you feel down because of peer support, how do you cheer yourself up?

Ken

Well….. say…….. I have not been feeling down because of peer support.

Hideo

You are very positive boy.

I understand. You do not feel down. Maybe you seem to eat meals and sleep to be healthy.

Ken

If I am motivated, this means I have energy. When I am motivated, …….. even when I feel a bit tired because of my studies, I can still make efforts to take actions.

Because I have a strong sense of responsibility, even when I feel a bit tired, still I am able to work hard.

Hideo

You study hard as well. As you mentioned, willpower is very important, is that right?

Ken

Yes, willpower is important.

Hideo

I think you have a strong willpower, don’t you.

Ken

Well, thank you very much.

Hideo

Ahahaha

Well, have you had any help from supervisors? If you have, could you tell me an example please?

Ken

Well…. …. sometimes teachers gave me useful advice. As you know, teachers’ views are different from pupils’ views. Thus peer supporters can get different views and ideas from teachers. Teachers’ advice makes us think about how adults see the things in terms of their views.

Hideo

Well, what do you think about peer support activities in your school?

Ken

As I mentioned, we did many things. We had the skiing training camp, and also we peer supporters tried to encourage pupils not to eat sweets in the school. Peer supporters took actions actively……..

Hideo

You can share anything about peer support.

Ken

Currently peer supporters actively have given presentations……..

Hideo

Anything you can share.

Are you satisfied with current peer support?

Ken

I am happy about current peer support activities. But still I want to improve our peer support.

Hideo

So you believe you can improve peer support further

Ken

Well, personally, I am happy about the current peer support.

But other peer supporters maybe want to develop the peer support further.

Hideo

If there are no peer support systems in your school, what do you think about pupils’ school life?

Ken

Our school would become a troubled school. Pupils would misbehave and would not listen in lectures properly. I believe the majority of pupils misbehave and all the classes would have bad situations.

Hideo

Are you sure? How do you know that?

Ken

Well, from the school summits, I saw senior pupils’ presentations. Then I realise that our class mates’ behaviours are comparatively inferior to them. We need to think about how we can improve our behaviours and our school life. This means we can have a sense of crisis about our own school life.

Hideo

Ahhh. I see. You can understand yourself clearly and objectively. Thus, you feel you need to behave properly, is that right?

Ken

You are right.

Hideo

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits, and anti-bullying dramas.

So how do you feel about these activities?

Ken

Pupils can understand the differences between their own school and other schools.

I think rather than peer supporters, someone who needs to improve their behavior should be invited to the school summits. Then, they would understand situations of their own school and their own behaviour.

Hideo

You mean, not only representatives but also misbehaved pupils need to attend the school summits, is that right?

Ken

I believe especially misbehaved pupils need to attend the school summits and see the anti-bullying dramas in order to reflect on their own behaviours.

Hideo

You think it is very effective for misbehaved pupils to improve their behaviour, is that right?

I think the anti-bullying dramas are really great.

I want many pupils to see the dramas and improve their behaviours and school life.

How do you think about it?

Ken

Yes. I think so.

Hideo

Have you seen the dramas?

Ken

Yes, I have seen them.

Hideo

Where have you seen them?

Ken

At the civic hall

Hideo

I believe you had a school summits in there as well, is that right?

Ken

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

Were there many pupils from other schools?

Ken

Representatives of peer supporters from 12 secondary schools gathered in there.

Hideo

So you attended, is that right?

Ken

Yes, because I am a peer supporter, I wanted to see it.

Hideo

That is great.

You could attend it?.

Ken

Yes, but I just attended it and saw the drama.

In that time, I felt like I was a guest to see others’ presentations.

Hideo

Well, even if you are a guest, this means you attended it. Without guests, they cannot play a drama.

Well, do you feel any difference between pupils who actively join the activities and pupils who do not actively join them?

Ken

Ummmmm…. …people often say, “many men, many minds”.

I personally think pupils cannot agree with other’s different ideas because…….

Ummmmm….. sorry, what was the question?

Hideo

Do you feel any difference between pupils who actively join the activities and pupils who do not actively join?

Ken

Some pupils who misbehave do not want to behave as a good boy and a good girl.

Because they have their own reasons……

Hideo

“a good boy and a good girl” means that pupils seriously take actions for the activities, is that right?

Ken

Current secondary school pupils do not want to behave seriously

Hideo

Pupils feel behaving seriously is not cool, is that right?

Ken

Well, misbehaved pupils tend to think well-behaved pupils are teachers’ pets.

There are some misunderstanding. Some pupils want to actively join the activities because they are motivated to contribute to something good.

But some misbehaved pupils do not want to be a teachers’ pet, thus they do not want to join the activities.

Hideo

Well, is that a small misunderstanding?

Ken

Yes, these are small misunderstandings.

Hideo

Rather than misunderstanding, it depends on difference views, is that right?

Ken

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

The matter is a small difference on their views, is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

Well, if you did not become a peer supporter, do you think you would still actively join the activities?

Ken

Well, if I did not become a peer supporter, I believe I would not join the activities at all.

Hideo

Ahahaha. Do you seriously think so?

Ken

Yes, I am sure.

Hideo

Well, this means taking a responsibility as a peer supporter is very important, is that right?

Ken

As you know, peer supporters are representatives of pupils, I think I need to take actions in various ways. In this sense, I think I should actively join the activities.

Hideo

Taking a responsibility is a very important, is that right?

Ken

I think so

Hideo

I understand

Finally, do you have anything to tell me?

Ken

As you know, well…….we had a presentation on leaning. A class of senior pupils’ did a student drama. But teachers told us to make mosaic glass art. We do not understand why we need to make mosaic glass art.

Hideo

What do you mean?

Ken

Well, I felt we were forced by teachers to make mosaic glass art

Hideo

Ohhh. I see

You pupils want teachers to listen to pupils’ opinions, is that right?

Ken

Pupils have various ideas and opinions. It is really depending on each pupil.

So I feel pupils’ ideas and opinions have been ignored.

Hideo

I understand your feelings.

Ken

Thank you.

Hideo

I understand. If pupils agreed to do something, pupils would take the initiative to carry out the things. Do you think so?

Ken

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Are you sure?

Ken

Yes, I am sure.

Hideo

So if pupils decide to do things by themselves, they would actively take actions.

But if the things to do were already decided by teachers, pupils would reluctantly carry on the things (activities), is that right?

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Ken

Yes, you are right?

Hideo

Do you have any other things tell me?

Ken

No, nothing.

But if pupils who misbehave joined the club activities, they may devote all their attention to the club activities. This means they may reduce their fighting, thefts and other misbehaviours if they found something they can devote themselves to.

Hideo

I see. The club activities also play an important role.

If pupils want to improve their skills, they would endure and take actions very much in the club activities.

This means pupils need to have a strong willpower, is that right?

They think the time and effort put into working towards the club activities does not betray them.

Ken

Yes.

Hideo

I understand. Thank you very much