Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(John)
Hideo

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

John

In the class, everyone is enjoying school life.

All pupils have good relationships.

Hideo

Uh-huh….does any bullying occur?

John

No, we do not have.

Everyone has chat with others very friendly.

Hideo

You mean, all pupils have good relationships, is that right?

John

Yes.

Hideo

Aha….I see….

Why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

John

At first, I was not interested in peer support.

But the teacher said to me, “peer support is very interesting!”.

They encouraged me to be. Then I decided to be.

Hideo

So…you were encouraged by the teacher, is that right?

John

Yes.

Hideo

Hmmm….I see. I understand.

How do you feel when you are doing peer support activities?

John

hummm……….everyone was very quiet and I was very nervous….

Hideo

I see….are you still nervous when you are doing the activities?

John

Comparatively I am less nervous now.….

Hideo

You mean, in the beginning, you were so nervous, is that right?

John

My palms were sweating ….

Hideo

Aha..……you were sweating….Hummm….

That sounds difficult.

You still have something to do as a peer supporter.

Humm…..

John

Yes, I have.

Hideo

………….

Well, how does peer support give a positive influence on peers and school ethos?

John

…………………….

Hideo

You can share anything…..

Are there any positive influences?

John

Yes…….

When we had assembly in school auditorium, pupils behaved well and listened to what others were saying.

Hideo

You mean pupils’ behaviours have been getting better, haven’t they.

How about before?

John

In days gone by, in the first half of assembly, pupils were able to listen to what others were saying quietly.

When approaching the end, pupils started whispering……they said “I want to the assembly to end soon”……

Hideo

Whew…….so, pupils’ behaviours have been improved…

Do you think their behaviours were improved because of the peer support activities?

John

Well.…it might be true….especially each pupil’s heart has been changed…I think…..

Hideo

Why did each pupils’ heart change?

John

…………..

Someone started mentioning some advices to the pupils. Then, gradually the pupils changed their hearts and behaviours…

Hideo

Someone’s advice?…..is that the teacher? Pupil?

John

Peer supporters…..also teachers….

Hideo

Are there any differences in pupils’ behaviours, between pupils’ advices and teachers’ advices?

John

……………..

Hideo

Are there any differences in pupils’ behaviours between teachers’ encouragements and pupils’ encouragements?

John

I think there were the differences.

Hideo

What’s the difference?

John

………………..

Well, there are age differences between the pupils and the teachers.

Then, there are some gaps between teachers’ views are pupils’ views.

Pupils are the same generation, and they share similar views.

Hideo

Ahhh…I see.

Well….you mean, the pupils have similar views, is that right?

John

That’s right.

Hideo

If pupils were encouraged by others who had similar views, pupils tended to take their advice well, is that right?

John

That’s right.

It is easy for pupils to do that.

Hideo

Could you tell me why other pupils did not take action actively?

John

………………..

Hideo

Do you think other pupils do not want to contribute to the greeting activity and fund-raising activities?

John

No, I do not think so.

Hideo

Do you know the reason why pupils do not actively take action?

John

……………

Hideo

Well…do you know the reason why the pupils are not active for peer-led activities?

John

The pupils think they do not have anything to do with the activities…

Well….a fund-raising activity is something for somebody else…..pupils think the activity will not benefit themselves.

Hideo

So...you mean, the pupils do not care about it, is that right?

John

The pupils tend to think that way..

Hideo

Do you think the pupils do not want to join a fund-raising activity and greeting activities?

John

Well… for example, if the pupil joined the activities, others might ignore the pupil’s conducts

and encouragements. The pupil really worries about being ignored.

Hideo

Aha…..…are pupils afraid of failures?

John

Some pupils are afraid of failure….

Hideo

Pupils do not want to feel bad, is that right?

John

Yes, it is right.

Hideo

What is the reason why pupils do not want to join the activities?

John

For example, when the pupil said “good morning” to others, others might ignore the pupil.

The pupils are afraid of getting hurt.

Hideo

I understand how the pupils are thinking…..

Well….do you feel any difference between peer supporters and other pupils?

John

……………

Hearts are different….

Hideo

Hearts are different?

How are their hearts different?

John

Well, some pupils really want to do something good for someone else.

But some pupils really do not care about other people at all.

They think, even if they do something good for other people, it will not benefit them.

Thus, hearts are different.

Hideo

Pupils who do not behave positively, have this kind of tendency, don’t they?

Could you tell the differences between peer supporters and pupils who show supportive attitudes?

John

Errrr…....peer supporters are persons who take a lead for others.

Supportive pupils are persons who want to contribute to something good, but they do not want to actively take a lead. I think this is the difference.

Hideo

I see….

Supportive pupils want to do something for others, but they do not want to take a lead….is that right?

John

Yes, that’s right.

They are weak in taking a lead for others.

Hideo

Why are supportive pupils weak in taking a lead?

John

Because, supportive pupils are too shy to do that.

Hideo

You mean, their shyness is the biggest issue, is that right?

John

Yes, that’ right.

Hideo

You mean…the pupils want to do something good, but they are too shy to take a lead by themselves. Therefore the pupils try to follow others’ behaviours....is that right?

John

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

If you were not a peer supporter, do you think you still could actively take actions for others?

John

Yes, I think I can take actions for others.

Hideo

I see…well……

It sounds like there are not much differences between peer supporters and supportive pupils…is that right?

John

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

The issue is “shyness”….is that right?

What else?

John

………….

I think that’s all.

Hideo

I understand.…

Why do you think we need a peer support system in school?

John

Well…because pupils are easily inspired by other pupils’ encouragements, rather than the teacher’s encouragements.
Hideo

Aha……that is the reason why you prefer that pupils take a lead for others rather than adults take a lead.

John

Yes.

Hideo

You mean, it is easier for the pupils to do the activities, is that right?

John

I think the pupils are able to easily take actions, and also create friendships.

Hideo

Do you have any other reasons?

…the reasons why we need a peer support in school?

John

………………

…………….

Hideo

Do you need time to think about it?

Or shall we go to the next question?

John

Yes, the next question please.

Hideo

Well….are there ways in which the peer support system could be improved?

If so, what are they?

John

…………….

………….

Hideo

……………

Well…what is the ideal situation?

John

Ummmm…….ideal situation is….pupils greet cheerfully, and keep the school tidy…..I want everyone to show supportive attitudes and work together in these kinds of things….

Hideo

Hummm….you mean everyone positively behave in school....is that right?

John

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

So…. you want to involve everyone into the activities, don’t you?

John

…..There are many opportunities for each schools’ representatives to attend the meeting together with other school’s representatives. But I want other pupils who are not representatives, to have the opportunities to work together with other schools’ pupils.

I think it is good idea.

Hideo

So, you want other pupils, who are not a peer supporter, have opportunities to communicate with others.

Why do you think it is good for them to communicate with others?

John;

……………..

……………..

Hideo

What happen after communication?

John

Pupils are able to learn something new and good things from other schools.

Hideo

I see…. pupils are able to learn something from other schools….is that right?

John

For example, if 8 pupils from my school, communicated with other schools’ pupils, this means 8 people could gain something good knowledge.

Similarly, the more pupils communicate, the better knowledge we gained.

Hideo

Okay.

Ummmm…..what benefits have you experienced?

Could you explain to me?

John

Umm…..I believe, if I was not a peer supporter, I could not have experienced to speak in front of people...

Hideo

You mean you got a precious experience, is that right?

John

Yes, it is right.

Hideo

……

What are the positive aspects of being a peer supporter?

John

I could overcome my shyness.

Now I am not nervous to speak in front of people.

Hideo

You mean, your communication skills were improved, is that right?

John

Yes.

Hideo

It sounds good.

If you did not join the peer support, do you think you are still nervous to speak in front of people?

John

I think… probably I am still nervous to speak.

I believe I sweat, especially my palm of the hands.

Hideo

Ah…that’s tough.

Umm….what do you enjoy most about being a peer supporter?

John

I enjoyed the planning meeting for the morning assembly.

We tried to decide each person’s role and comments.

I really enjoyed it.

Hideo

You mean, the planning was the most joyful experiences, is that right?

John

Yes, I enjoyed it.

Hideo

Aha…....you enjoyed the planning more than doing activities....

John

Yes, at this moment, I feel so.

Hideo

What do you like least about being a peer supporter?

John

Sometimes we have the peer support activities in the morning.

So, it is hard to get up early for it.

Hideo

I see…..

Umm…is that a problem? Is there anything else?

John

That’s all.

Hideo

What do you think about the difficulty itself?

John

I think it is important to face the difficulty, because this experience will help me in the future.

Hideo

Ummm….you mean, you need this kinds of experiences, it that correct?

John

I believe these kinds of difficulties will help me to do something in the future.

Hideo

……..

Have you taken the difficulty to your supervisor?

John

I and other peer supporters asked the teacher for help and we received advice.

Hideo

How helpful is the supervision?

John

Yes, it was very helpful.

Hideo

Did you have any help from pupils?

John

No, not really….

Hideo

I see….

Ummm…..did you have any negative feelings about the difficulty?

John

In the beginning, I did not like the difficulty.

Even though I still did not like the difficulty, I had to do what I needed to do.

So, eventually I did not care about the difficulty.

Hideo

..…which means, you were inspired by yourself, is that right?

John

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see…..

Do you feel any emotional changes after coping with the difficulties?

John

I hate things which are half-baked, and I devoted myself to the activities.

So I had a sense of achievement.

Hideo

Aha…..what was the most important hey issue or idea for coping with the difficulties?

John

I think it is important not to think about the difficulties too much.

I tried to think about not negative aspects of the things, but positive aspects of it. Then, eventually I can positively think about the difficulties.

Hideo

I see..…..

Are there any tips to involve other pupils into the activities?

John

It is good idea to encourage the pupils to do the activities.

In addition, we can make the poster and put up it somewhere very noticeable places.

I believe the pupils will see it and they may be motivated for it.

Hideo

Your idea is to share a lot of information with the pupils, is that correct?

John

Yes, it is correct.

I want the pupils to hear, see and understand information.

Hideo

Do you think it works well?

John

Yes, I think many pupils will positively take actions…

Hideo

Is there anything else?

John

No, that’s all.

Hideo

How do you deal with pupils, who have negative views on peer-led activities?

John

Rather than encouraging them in assembly, it is better to encourage them on an individual basis.

I think they will positively listen to my words.

Hideo

…which means, you encourage them on an individual basis, is that right?

John

That’s right. Like one to one…..which help they to listen to my word seriously.

Hideo

I see. I make the situation, which make the pupils listen to seriously..

I understand.

Ummmm……

what do you do to cheer yourself up when you are feeling blue because of the activities?

John

I try to talk about something fun with my friends, which creates good atmospheres to discuss the issues. Then, I will be fine.

Hideo

Well…….how helpful is supervision?

Could you give me an example?

John

When I was really struggled to create the manuscript for the activities, the teacher gave me an advice. It was very helpful for me.

Hideo

I see……

Ummm…..what do you think about peer support system in your school?

John

I think current activities are not enough.

I want to increase the activities and to involve many pupils into the activities.

Hideo

I see….you mean, you want to more actively take actions, is that right?

John

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

Currently, all secondary schools in Neyagawa city, have worked together to organise the school summits.

What do you think about these activities?

John

I think these activities help the pupils to mutually improve their activities and themselves.

Hideo

You mean, you want to have the school summits, don’t you?

John

Yes, we need the summits.

Hideo

Well… I ask you again.

What is the difference between pupils who positively behave and pupils who negatively behave?

John

Ummm……some pupils could change themselves by taking a chance, but some others

could not recognise a chance as the chance…..

This is the difference….I think…

Hideo

You mean, a little difference could create a big difference between them, is that right?

John

I think so.

A little thing could strongly influence their developments.

Hideo

Lastly, any other things you would like to tell me about peer support?

John

………………..

……………

Hideo

Any comment?

John

I believe that current activities give strong influence on various people.

I want to more actively take actions for many people. I think these activities give influences on not only the schools, but also other schools outside Osaka.

I really want to share Neyagawa city’s pupils’ activities with others, and this will also give influences throughout Japan.

Hideo

I see…you had experiences to learn something from other schools, thus, now you want to share your experiences and activities with others.

Is that right?

John

Yes, it is right.

Hideo;

Thank you very much for answering questions for a long time.

(Dan)
Hideo

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

Dan

Pupils have very good relationships.

Hideo

Could you explain how pupils have good relationships?

Dan

Often many pupils have played together and also all pupils actively work together for school events.

Hideo

You mean everyone is very supportive of each other, is the right?

Dan

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Does any bullying occur?

Dan

There is no bullying.

Hideo

Are you sure?

Dan

I think there is no bullying

Hideo

Are you sure?

Dan

There are some small skirmishes among some pupils, but there is no bullying like in Sakura-no-miya high school.

Hideo

Hahaha.

Well, why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

Dan

Because I wanted to work for my class mates and create a good unity.

Hideo

You mean you wanted to do something good for the class mates, is that right?

Dan

Since I was a first year pupil, I was a peer supporter. I just wanted to be a peer supporter again.

Hideo

I understand.

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

Dan

I am enjoying it.

Hideo

Is that tough?

Is that difficult?

Dan

When I need to speak in front of people, I feet tough, but generally I am enjoying it.

Hideo

You mean you feel more joy rather than tough, is that right?

Dan

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Ahhh….that sounds good.

Well, how does peer support give good influence to other pupils and the whole school?

Dan

During the greeting campaign, peer supporters greeted pupils, and the pupils used to reply to them too.

Hideo

All pupils started greeting, is that right?

Dan

Some pupils started greeting.

Hideo

Ohhh. How about before starting the greeting campaign?

Dan

Before the campaign, several pupils greeted, but I think now more pupils greet each other.

Hideo

Well, you mean the activity gave positive influences to pupils, is that right?

I see.

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

Dan

Because pupils think peer support is bothersome.

Hideo

Do you think everyone wants to be a peer supporter?

Dan

Pupils do not want to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

I believe many pupils actively join the fund-raising activities, don’t they?

Pupils do something good.

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

Dan

Pupils can’t be bothered to gather and discuss peer support.

Hideo

Maybe some pupils want to be a peer supporter, but they do not have much time to work as a peer supporter….is that right?

Dan

I think so. Some pupils do not have much time to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Do you think many pupils are willing to contribute to something good?

Dan

Some pupils want to do something good, but other pupils do not want to at all.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

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

Dan

I think their motivations are different.

Hideo

How different are their motivations?

Dan

Some pupils are just not good at leading others, thus they do not want to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Generally, pupils do not like leading others, but they want to support the volunteer activities, is that right?

Dan

Probably yes.

Hideo

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

Dan

The reason is……just…..some pupils do not support the activities at all. They just lack motivation. They really do not want to join the school events.

Hideo

What are the differences between peer supporters and pupils who actively join the activities?

Dan

Some pupils do not have confidence to lead others, but they can still support the activities.

Hideo

I see. Are pupils humble to act as a peer supporter?

Dan

That is not humble. Just pupils want to support the activities.

Hideo

Ahhh….I understand.

Well, why do you need peer support systems?

Dan

As a part of peer support, peer supporters organised the chime-be-seated activity.

When pupils heard the sound of the chime, they need to be seated shortly to prepare for a lecture. This activity started because many pupils used to be late for a class.

Also if there are no greeting campaigns, many pupils tend not to great each other at the school gate in the morning. That is the reason why, we need peer support activities.

Hideo

It is not necessary to have peer support systems. Because teachers can lead the activities. Is that okay?

Dan

It is easier for pupils to greet other pupils, rather than toward teachers.

Hideo

Is that so?

Dan

I believe so.

Hideo

You mean, when pupils greet other pupils, they easily reply to pupils, rather than when teachers greet other pupils.

Dan

Probably yes.

Hideo

Why is it like that?
Dan

In short……..some pupils have rebellious attitudes toward teachers, because they reached the rebellious age. There is no rebellious age between pupils. Thus, when pupils give some advice to each other, most times pupils listen to their friends’ advice. Then the whole school would be improved. I think.

Hideo

You mean pupils tend to listen to other pupils’ words more than teachers’ words, is that right?

Dan

Pupils’ words are more influential

Hideo

Why are pupils’ words more influential? Is that because pupils are friends?

Dan

Because many pupils are at a rebellious age and they tend to show rebellious attitudes towards teachers.

Hideo

I see…….well, pupils’ words are more influential more than teachers’ words, aren’t they?

Well, so you believe you want to have peer support systems because pupils can organise school life by themselves?

Dan.

Yes.

Hideo

Well, if there are no peer support systems, what do you think?

Dan

If there were no peer support systems, our school life would get worse.

Hideo

I see

Do you have any idea to improve your peer support systems?

Dan

If there are more opportunities to give presentations about our school’s good points and bad points at morning assembly. This would improve our school, I think.

Hideo

Do you think this will improve your school?

Do you think your school will be improved by sharing good points and bad points?

Dan

……………….

Hideo

What are the good points?

Dan

Everyone has good relationships and can cooperate together.

Hideo

Who do you mean by everyone?

Dan

All pupils.

Hideo

You mean you want to involve all pupils?

Dan

Yes.

Hideo

I think peer supporters are working hard. Is that not enough?

Dan,

That is not good enough. All pupils definitely need to cooperate together.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Dan

Because I think a whole school is one group.

Hideo

You mean even if peer supporters are working hard, that is not enough?

Do you feel so?

Dan

Sometimes I feel if pupils more actively cooperate together, it would be good.

Hideo

You would like to actively involve pupils into activities…..that is the reason why you feel it would be good if pupils more actively cooperate together.

Dan,

Yes.

Hideo

I see.

I just wonder, do you feel there is an invisible wall between peer supporters and other pupils?

Dan

I do not feel it.

Hideo

Do you feel any pressure for others?

Dan

Sometimes when I have opportunities to give a talk in front of others, I feel pressure.

But now I get used to it.

Hideo

Were you a shy person?

Dan

I was not a shy person because I was good at giving presentations when I was in a primary school. But now I am able to give better presentations more than before.

Hideo

Do you have any good experiences when you are doing peer support activities?

Dan

Because I have opportunities to see our school comprehensively, I can find some bad points and so on.

Hideo

You mean you can see your school comprehensively.

Dan

Yes.

Hideo

Perhaps, you might widen your view, is that right?

Dan

I think so.

Hideo

Do you have any other good experiences?

Dan

Because I am working as a peer supporter, everyone starts relying on me.

When some pupils were a bit noisy during class, I asked them not to talk. Then these pupils listened to my words and stopped talking.

Hideo

You mean you gain trust from other pupils, is that right?

Dan

Yes.

Hideo

Ahhh. Great!

I understand.

What is the enjoyable thing when you are doing peer support activities?

Dan

I enjoy giving presentations in school events.

Hideo

Ohhhh. You are enjoying activities, is that right?

Dan

Yes.

Hideo

You are really enjoying peer support activities, aren’t you?

You have not had much difficulties, is that right?

Dan

Sometimes the school summits are carried out on Sunday. But the summits are conducted for the sake of pupils, thus this is not a difficulty at all.

Hideo

What are the things you do not like about peer support?

Dan

Yes, I like peer support, thus I do not have things I do not like.

Hideo

Great.

Have you had any difficulties when you are doing peer support?

Dan

When I asked some pupils to behave well several times, they did not listen to me. Sometimes I feel that’s bothersome to persuade them to do something.

Hideo

Ahhhh.

Did you overcome that?

Dan

Now most time pupils in my class have listened to my word when I asked them.

Hideo

Why have they stated listening to your words?

Dan

Probably, I have asked them to behave well many times.

Hideo

Hahahaha.

Dan,

Also I think pupils put their trust in me.

Hideo

What do you think about difficulties?

Dan

I am enjoying difficulties. Including them, I am enjoying peer support activities.

Hideo

You mean you view difficulties as enjoyable things, is that right?

Dan

Because of difficulties, I can feel I need to make more efforts.

Hideo

Ahhh…you think positively, don’t you?

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

Dan

I sometimes ask supervisors for help

Hideo

Do you find supervisor’s support is helpful for you?

Dan

Yes, when I asked supervisors for help, they supported me well.

Hideo

Have you had any help from other pupils when you faced difficulties?

Dan

When I asked some pupils to behave well, other pupils also asked them to do well.

Hideo

You mean other pupils also support various activities, is that right?

Dan

Yes, they do.

Hideo

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

Dan

Sometimes I negatively feel them, but I can feel joy more than negativity.

Hideo

You mean you sometimes have negative feelings, but you feel joy more than negativity, is that right?

Dan

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

What is the most important thing for you to overcome your difficulties?

Dan

Because I have experience making my class a supportive atmosphere, then I have gained confidence. Thus I would like to try to overcome something I could not achieve before.

Hideo

This kind of your experience would support you?

After overcoming the difficulties, have you had any change of mind?

Dan

After completing my duties, I feel an immeasurable sense of accomplishment.

Psychologically I feel joy.

Hideo

Ahhh. I see. I understand.

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils into the activities?

Dan

At the assemblies, peer supporters need to ask pupils to join the school events and activities. Then, one of these days, pupils may support us.

Hideo

Do you think so?

Dan,

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Is that enough?

Dan

Probably fine.

Hideo

By encouraging pupils to join the activities at assemblies, do you think pupils who actively did not join the activities before, start joining the activities?

Dan

……………….

Ummmm…….

Regarding these pupils who do not join the activities, I would like to ask their friends to encourage them to join the activities.

Hideo

Their friends?

Dan

If some girls do not want to join the activities, it is better if other girls nicely encourage these girls to join the activities rather than boys encouraging them.

Then these girls seem to listen to their words and this give influence to other pupils little by little.

Hideo

Ohhhh. Well, the power of friends is very influential, isn’t it?

When pupils are asked by their friends, they would easily join the activities, is that right?

Dan,

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I understand.

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

Dan,

Just, I play with them and talk to them as usual.

Hideo

You contact with them in normal manner, don’t you?

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

Dan

I play with my friends and talk to them. After that, I can forget negative feeling.

Hideo

Ohhh. I see.

As mentioned before,

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

Dan

When I asked supervisors to talk to some pupils to behave well, supervisors did it well.

Hideo

Do you have any other?

Dan

That is all.

Hideo

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

Dan

I think that it is good.

Hideo

Do you have any comments?

Dan

If our peer support were carried out more actively, our school would be more improved.

Hideo

Do you think you can carry out your peer support activities more energetically?

Dan

Yes, I can.

Hideo

How can you do it? Any examples?

Dan

By increasing the number of events and activities, there would be more opportunities for everyone to work and support together. Then pupils can have a strong sense of unity.

Hideo

You mean pupils need to be united, is that right?

Dan

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

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

So how do you think about the school summits?

Dan

Actually, I have not joined the summits yet. But I think pupils who are doing the summits, are great.

Hideo

Do you think you can learn many things from the summits?

Dan

Probably I can learn many things.

Hideo

I see.

Indeed, I understand.

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

Dan

It is up to their morale. Some pupils tend to join the activities every time, but other pupils who do not join actively, would not like to join at all.

Hideo

Well, you mean there are some differences between them, is that right?

I see. I see.

Finally, do you have anything to tell me?

Dan

I would like to increase the number of school events and activities. Because this give more opportunities for pupils to have good relationships among them and also improve our school.

Hideo

I see.

I understand.

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