Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Alex)
Hideo

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

Alex

Pupils are divided into a few groups. Some are grouped because they were in the same club. Others are grouped because they graduated from the same primary school.

Hideo;

Do they have good relationships?

Alex

Yes, they have. Good friends tend to stay together.

Hideo

How about your relationships and friendships in your class?

Alex

In my class, pupils are divided into a few groups.

I think they have good relationships.

Hideo

Does any bullying occur?

Alex

Bullying might occur……but this is not obvious.

Hideo

I see.

Why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

Could you explain the reason to me please?

Alex

When I was in primary school, my elder sister was a member of the primary school student council.

I was not a member of primary school student council.

But, when I entered secondary school, I regretted not being a council member in primary school. Therefore, I just joined peer support in secondary school.

Hideo

You mean, you were interested in peer support and decided to join by yourself, is that right?

Alex

Yes, Ummm……my elder sister did the activities, then I want to join the peer support in the secondary school.

Hideo

You mean, you thought your sister was enjoying, that’s the reason why I wanted to join, is that right?

Alex

I thought my sister enjoyed the activities. Like….she did the activities in the morning assembly.

Hideo

Well,

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

Alex

I am enjoying the activities, because I can support others to grow. It is very good.

Hideo

Could you explain an example?

Alex

I can contribute to the positive change of the school.

Hideo

I see.

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

Alex

Generally, class rooms were messy with waste papers.

When we had a campus clean-up campaign, pupils kept the class rooms very clean and tidy.

After the campaign, the class rooms remain as clean.

Hideo

Seriously? Sounds good.

Are there any good influences?

Alex

Also, many (pupils) join volunteer activities.

Hideo

How many pupils do join (the volunteer activities)?

Alex

At first, one or two pupils joined….but….

Hideo

What kind of activities is that?

Alex

Cleaning up in the local park, and cleaning up outside the school.

At first, only two or three pupils attended, but it increased to around 8 pupils.

Hideo

Aha….

Why do other pupils not want to join the peer supporters?

Alex

I think they do not have confidence.

Hideo

No confidence…for what?

Alex

I think....as a representative, they do not believe they can be a representative.

Hideo

They do not have confidence in themselves….is that right?

But.. do you think they want to contribute to something good?

Alex

Some pupils think so.

Hideo

I see.

I understand.

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

Could you explain?

Alex

I think their minds are different.

Some pupils look after not only themselves, but also others.

Other pupils are concerned only about themselves.

I think…pupils who actively join the peer support activities, are able to manage their own things, and also to take care of others.

Hideo；

I see. For example, let’s say, what is the difference between peer supporters and pupils who are actively joining the activities?

Alex

Uh…..difficult to say…..

…..

They may be shy to be in front of others.

Peer supporters need to stand in front of many pupils in assembly….

I think that is a reason.

Hideo

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

Alex

………………….

Hideo

Is there an invisible wall between pupils who do not join actively and peer supporters?

Alex

I do not feel we have an invisible wall.

Most pupils understand peer supporters have their own roles, but

pupils keep their relations as a friend.

Hideo

How about recruiting active pupils to join the peer support team?

Alex

I think…...some may say no, because they are shy, but others may say yes like “I want to try it…”

Hideo

Aha….there is no difference among pupils individually, is that right?

Alex

No, I think no difference

Hideo；

Could you explain the reason why school needs to have peer-led activities?

Alex

Because they listen to peer’s opinions, and able to put peers’ ideas into practice.

If there is no peer support, teachers may decide anything related to us.

However, if we have a peer support system, peer supporters are able to listen to pupils’ opinion, and able to put their ideas into practice.

Hideo

How about teachers listen to pupils’ opinions? Is that okay?

Alex

Muuuuum…….pupils often have something secret, which they cannot tell to teachers. Some pupils are too shy to tell to teachers.

That’s the reason why pupils talk to peer supporters, then peer supporters can help pupils…..isn’t it?

Hideo

So you believe pupils have difficulty to tell teachers.

Why do pupils feel they cannot tell teachers?

Alex

Because, teachers are too busy and they have many things to do in school.

Peer supporters have many opinions, but peer supporters really try to cope with pupils’ issues. So I believe we need peer support.

Hideo

In terms of your view, it seems that it is easier for pupils to speak to peers rather than to teachers, is that right?

Alex

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

Perhaps, pupils want to have some kind of organisation or system, which allow them to decide and carry out their things to do. Is that right?

Alex

Yes, pupils work together with other pupils for various activities.

Hideo

Well, it seems that you believed that pupils work together very well without teachers’ help. Could you explain the reason why you think so?

Alex

I think…pupils have and share quite similar ideas and thoughts, thus it works well.

Hideo

You mean that pupils are in the same generation as they can think from a comparable standpoint, is that right?

Alex

I believe adult’s views differ from children’s views.

Thus, pupils are able to do various activities in terms of children’s views.

So it is better to have peer support.

Hideo

I see….I understand it.

Do you think teachers are not able to fully understand pupils?

Alex

Probably they cannot.

Hideo

Could you explain why you feel teachers cannot understand pupils?

Alex

There is a noisy pupil in a class, and everyone in the class do not want to have anything to do with him. Thus everyone ignores him.

However, teachers often ask us to say “Be quiet” to him……..

this is comparable for us to provoke a quarrel against him….

We are afraid of revenge from him…

Hideo

hummm. I see…

Alex

Teachers encourage us to say (“be quite”) to the noisy pupil, but if we said this to him, we would receive revenge from him……so teachers do not understand these kind of things..

Hideo

I see…

Do you have any idea about how to improve the existing systems of peer support? If you have, could you explain?

Alex

It seems a good idea to increase the number of peer supporters.

We can have various ideas among peer supporters….like various different opinions…….thus I would like to increase the number of peer supporters.

Hideo

I see….

You mean that you would like to increase the number of peer supporters and also you want to listen to their opinions, is that right?

You believe this will bring about the better result, is that right?

Alex

I think we can understand pupils’ opinions more comprehensively

Hideo

You would like to collect more ideas and opinions from pupils….

I see.

Do you have any other idea?

Alex

Other idea?

Let me see…….

Hideo

What is your ideal situation?

Alex

Even though peer supporters make an effort, other pupils around, often do not make an effort..

Thus, I wish other pupils would also make an effort.

Hideo

You mean that by involving other pupils into activities, and it makes them to have autonomy, is that right?

Alex

Ah, yes.

Hideo

You mean, you want pupils to take a lead in activities, is that right?

You mean, you want to make other pupils to lead the activities, is that right?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

You think, this will bring about a better result, is that right?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

By involving other pupils, you may feel all pupils are working together rather than peer supporters are mainly working…is that right?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

I see……if that is so.….. you really feel all pupils are attending peer-led activities, is that right?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

Do you think you can do that?

Alex

If we really work hard, we can do it.

Every individual needs to pay attention to it, then it is possible to do it.

Hideo

I understand.

If you have a good experience as peer supporter, could you tell me?

Alex

I am not good at talking in front of people.

Especially when I was in primary school…I was not good at..

But, because I became a peer supporter, I have many opportunities to talk in front of people. Through these experiences, I gradually get used to that. Then, I feel less nervous……..so I think when I am grown up in the future, I am able to do it..

Hideo

Well….you seem to change a lot after joining peer support team, don’t you?

How did you change?

Alex

I believe I became a little more grown-up.

So I think my attitude has changed.

Hideo

How did you change?

Alex

Hummm…what can I say…..

I became fearless…

Hideo

Do you have any other benefit since you became a peer supporter?

Alex

I think I could strengthen a sense of responsibility.

Hideo

What do you mean? Could you give an example?

Alex

If I cannot do well, other pupils may make less effort in their work because of my poor performance. ..

Thus, this helps me to have a strong sense of responsibility.

Hideo

If you did not join the peer support team, how do you think about yourself?

Alex

If I did not join the peer support team, it is not noticeable when I become lazy…

But, if I am a peer supporter, I cannot be lazy, because other pupils will be lazy as well.

Hideo

If you did not become a peer supporter, how would you feel about yourself now?

Alex

I think I would be a bit naughty….

Hideo

I see….so generally, you believe you have good experiences as a peer supporter.

Alex

Yes,

Hideo

Could you explain the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Alex

The most enjoyable thing is visiting primary schools. I gave presentations about school life to primary school children.

Hideo

What is the enjoyable activity? Preparation? Presentation?

Alex

I enjoy it when I give presentations.

Hideo

So you enjoy doing activities.

Well, what are the things you do not like in peer support?

Alex

So, that is………I could not attend the club activities.

Because I need to attend the peer support activities, I missed many opportunities to attend the club activities.

Hideo

So you did not have enough time to go to club activities because of peer support activities.

I understand it.

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

Alex

….I had nothing in particular.

I had only positive things

Hideo

Ah…are you sure?

Ah…I see…

Maybe you had hardships, but I might not think that was difficulties...is that right?

Alex

I have not faced difficult problems…I think I was okay.

Hideo

Ah ha….

Well, what do you think about difficulties?

Alex

If I face difficulties, I would like to directly tackle them.

Whenever I face the difficulties….I should not escape from them.

Rather, I would like to challenge it.

Hideo

Could you give me an example?

Alex

Is any example okay?

Hideo

Yes.

Alex

For example, if I do not understand the problem of direst and inverse proportion, I cannot go for more difficult problems. So I should not avoid it.

I think I will regret it if I did not make efforts to cope with the problem.

Hideo

I see…..that is an example, is it?

With that reason, you want to challenge against difficulties. Is that right?

Alex

Yes,

Hideo

I understand.

When you face the difficulties and problems, have you asked supervisor for help?

Alex

Ah….I spoke to Mr. Tanaka (teacher)

Hideo

Was it helpful?

Alex

Well……….teacher (Mr. Tanaka) patiently listened to what I said.

Then, I could have a clear view, thus it was great help.

Hideo

You mean, teacher gave useful advice to you, is that right?

Alex

He gave me useful advice, then I could overcome the issue,

Hideo

Could you give me an example?

Alex

I was given advice from a teacher, about how to perform in the school summit.

He said, it may be better for you to speak out this way in order to convey your message to other pupils. I thought that is a good idea to communicate with other pupils.

Hideo

When you face the difficult issues, have you got any help from other pupils

Alex

Muuuu...….many friends gave me advice, however, I could have overcome many issues by myself as well.

Hideo

So, your friends gave advice to you, was it right?

Alex

Yes, occasionally……

Hideo

I see…..

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

Alex

Yes and no…

If I had to say then, generally I have no negative views toward difficulties.

In particular……..well, when I face the difficulties, sometimes I feel bad, sometimes I feel okay, both are right………..but I feel more strongly to challenge the issues.

Hideo

You mean that you think things positively, and challenge yourself to anything, is it right?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

Why do you think positively?

Alex

Because, if I think negatively, the issues will be over…

But if I think positively, I believe the issues may be managed…..

Hideo

I see…..I understand.

What are the most important things when you overcome the difficulties?

Alex

If I cannot cope with them, I should ask others for help and advice.

I need to carefully think about the issues with considering the advice, then, take actions.

Hideo

I see.

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Alex

Ah….I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Looking back on recent experience, I am a bit surprised that I was tackling very difficult issues.

Looking back on recent experience, I am a bit surprised how difficult the issues were that I was tackling.

However, when I was doing that, I did not think that was difficult at all.

Hideo

So….when you were doing activities, you did not think of the difficulties, but when you look back on the activities, you believed it was very hard to do……..is that right?

Alex

Only when looking back on the past, I understand I was tackling such difficult things…..

Also if other pupils said “if I were you, I could not do it” , this may make me feel that I was doing something other pupils could not do……

Hideo

Do you think you are contributing to society?

Alex

Probably…

Hideo

Are you sure? I see…..

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?

Alex

At first, I would like to try to involve my close friends into activities, then

I will ask my close friends to involve their friends into activities.

Like that, I hope this will encourage everyone to be involved in activities.

Hideo

You mean you want to make good use of friends’ help, is that right?

Alex

Yes, you are right.

At first, I try to involve my close friends into activities, and then they will ask their friends to join activities. This chain reaction would influence everyone.

I think this could encourage all pupils to be involved.

Hideo

I see. The influence of friends seems very powerful…

Well, how about the influence of the teacher?

If teachers encourage pupils to join, what would happen?

Alex

If teachers asked us to do something, most pupils would say, “ummm….no…”, but if friends asked us, pupils would do it properly…..I think…

Hideo

Could you explain an example?

Alex

If teachers asked us to do something, most pupils may said “I do not want to do that” don’t they.

Then, if friends asked us to do something, a pupil may say “no I do not want to”………but, other pupils may encourage this pupil, like say, “let’s do it only once!”. Then I think this pupil may do it……..

Hideo

I see.

Well, it is easy for pupils to listen to what friends say…is that right?

Alex

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Do you think influence of friends is very powerful?

Alex

Yes.

Hideo

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

Alex

I am communicating with them in a manner the same as when I communicate with my friends.

I do not force them to join volunteer activities, but I just contact with them in the same manner as I contact with my friends.

If they take objection to us, I generally explain our opinions to them.

Hideo

You mean you clearly explain your opinions to them, is that right?

Alex

I clearly explain my opinion…..yes

Hideo

I see.

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

Alex

Generally I do not feel down. Because I always think of things positively.

Hideo

Wow… you must be a very positive and happy person. Have you always been a positive person? Or did you become a positive person after joining the peer support team?

Alex

I used to think positively since long ago. All my family members think positively as well. My elder sister is a very positive person. Whatever happens she always think of things positively.

Hideo

I see.

What do you think about peer-led activities in your school?

Alex

My teacher says our peer-led activities are famous.

Hideo

How famous?

Alex

Because the teacher said so, It must be very famous….I think…

Hideo

When I was in the UK, I have heard about your school’s peer support activities.

Alex

Is it really?

Hideo

Yes, that is the reason why I am visiting this school currently.

Alex

I see.

I think our peer support team has some special powers as compared with other schools.

Hideo

Hideo;

Could you give an example?

Alex

We have a peer support newsletter.

I have a duty to write the headline. I believe, in other schools, peer supporters write the headline in an easy form of a character. But I am writing the headline in Mincho style, which take more time to write.
Hideo

You spend time and effort to do each activity eagerly.

I see.

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits. So how do you think about school summits?

Alex

I think it is a very good opportunity….

Not only pupils in our school, but also pupils in other schools share our opinions, then, we can improve our school life.

Thus, it is a good opportunity…..I think.

Hideo

If we do not have school summits, what do you think?

Alex

If we do not have school summits, we cannot know other school’s ideas and opinions. Thus, I want to have school summits.

Hideo

You want to have school summits…..I see.

If there are no school summits, are you having trouble?

Alex

I am having trouble…..I think that it should be there..

Hideo

I see.

Do you think there are any differences between peer supporters and other pupils?

Alex

I do not think there are differences. But peer supporters have a better sense of leadership.

Hideo

Is that the reason why pupils are too shy to stand in front of people?

Alex

Yes,

Hideo

I see. I understand

Well, finally, do you have anything to tell me?

If yes, please tell me anything.

Alex

I would like to increase opportunity for peer support to talk to other pupils….like a morning assembly.

Hideo

You mean you have more opportunity to convey peer supporters’ message and opinions.

Alex

I would like to have more opportunity to explain our activities and opinions.

I have distributed the peer support newsletter, but many pupils do no read it.

Thus, I want to speak to them directly. I need more time to tell them.

Hideo

Do you have any comment (opinion)?

Alex

Peer support activities are fun.

Hideo

I see. Thank you very much.

(Ben)
Hideo

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

Ben

My class is very cheerful.

But during lectures, I think my class is a bit noisy.

But many pupils actively present their opinions during class.

Hideo

Pupils are seriously studying during classes, is that right?

Ben

Yes. But they become a bit noisy during classes.

Hideo

How about peer relationships in your class?

Ben

Everyone has a good relationship.

Hideo

Why do you think pupils are not divided into several groups?

Ben,

Some pupils are divided into some groups. But the groups have good relationships with each other. Therefore, no one become alone or isolated from others.

Hideo

Ohhh. Does any bullying occur?

Ben

There is no bullying.

Hideo

That is great.

Well, next question.

Could you explain the reason why you chose to be a peer supporter?

Ben

Well, when I was a primary school pupil, I had a responsibility as a kind of a peer supporter. Because of this experiences, I wanted to be this (a peer supporter) in secondary school. I was considering this and that, but peer support seemed an enjoyable thing to me and decided to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

Do you enjoy peer support when you are doing it?

Ben

I am enjoying.

Hideo

How are you enjoying?

Ben

Well……it does not bother me at all.

Hideo

It does not bother you at all….?

I think you are doing it for other pupils, is that right?

Ben,

Well…………..I think discussion among peer supporters would have a tense atmosphere, but it was not tense. It was easy for me to speak and everyone was kind to me.

Also, when I said wrong comments, they did not blame me much.

Whenever I shared my opinions, these opinions came from my honest feelings, thus I think my opinions were right answers. Also I am really enjoying the activities.

Hideo

I see. Well, peer support is a worthwhile role for you, is that right?

Ben,

Yes.

Hideo

Okay. I understand.

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

Also what do you think about this thing?

Ben,

Ahhh………when I am doing peer support, I work as hard as possible.

Thus, I cannot afford to think about my feeling.

Hideo

Do you feel you are contributing or doing something good for pupils?

Ben

I feel I am doing something good for them. However, when I am doing some activities which were decided by peer supporters, other pupils show their negative responses, like….”Oh, noooo, I do not like it”. I do not like this. I feel I failed in doing it and sometimes I feel blue.

Hideo

I see. Peer supporters discuss their ideas, therefore this thing happens to you, doesn’t it?

Do you think your peer support activities gives a good influence to your school life?

Ben

Well. If peer supporters did not work hard, other pupils would not work very well. I feel everyone has worked hard together to get where we are today.

Hideo

You mean if you, the peer supporter worked hard, other pupils also would work actively, is that right?

Ben

Ahhh. What can I say, if peer supporters worked hard, other pupils would think they need to work hard as well. Then when the peer supporters saw other pupils were working hard, the peer supporter also work harder.

Hideo

Ohhh. I see.

Well, how do other pupils think about it?

Ben

Probably, some pupils think peer supporters are working hard, but other pupils think they have nothing to do with the peer supporters. Pupils are divided into two types groups.

Hideo

Ahhh. Pupils tend to be divided into two groups, is that right?

Ben

Probably, some pupils think the peer supporters and their activities are a trivial matter. I think so.

Hideo

I believe some pupils think peer supporters are working hard. Do you think these pupils have conscience which makes them support the activities?

Ben

These pupils who support the peer supporters, tend to join the volunteer activities and pick up trash.

Hideo

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

Ben

Ummmm. Well. That is ………………peer supporters often need to do their activities after school. The volunteer activities are generally carried out during the lunch break, thus it is fine. But peer supporters need to do some preparations and activities after school, thus it would be late to go home. Therefore, pupils do not want to be a peer supporter.

Hideo

It is just a matter of time, is that right?

Ben

Yes, mainly a matter of time. Some pupils need to go to cramming schools.

Hideo

Because of time restrictions, everyone does not want to be a peer supporter, is that right?

So, sometimes when they are motivated to support, they really support the activities well, is that right?

Ben

Yes, what you said is right.

Hideo

I see. Well, how about pupils who do not join the activities?

Ben,

These pupils really do not join the activities.

Hideo

These pupils lack in motivation for it, is that right?

Ben

Rather than lacking in motivation, these pupils tend to find most things bothersome.
Hideo

What do you mean?

Ben

For example, these pupils think even when they pick up trash, there would be a mess later.

Hideo

Ahhh. I see.

Do you think if these pupils who do not actively join, were encouraged by peer supporters, they would join the activities?

Ben

Ummmmm. I think they do not join.

Hideo

How was it in a past time?

Ben

Still it is very difficult to encourage several pupils to join the activities. They make their group and always play together.

Well, for example, if we ask our friends to encourage these pupils, most of our friends hesitate to encourage them.

Hideo

I see.

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

Is that because they find it bothersome?

Ben

Ummm……..well……some pupils who are not peer supporters, take other lighter responsibilities. Also many pupils want to prepare to focus on their club activities.

Hideo

Ahhh. I see. If pupils became a peer supporter, they often cannot go to their club activities, is that right?

Ben

Yes. I myself, could not go to club an activity many times

For example, I could not go to the club because of the activities related to graduation ceremony.

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?

Ben

The differences?........generally pupils who join the activities, have cheerful dispositions. They are cheerful. When I talk to them, they are happy and kind. These kind of pupils tend to actively join the activities…………but regarding the pupils who do not join the activities, their character is gloomy and sombre, and also a bit scary.

These pupils tend not to join the activities.

To be honest, I want all pupils to join. However, these pupils definitely do not join the activities, thus pupils are divided into two groups.

Hideo

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

Ben,

If there was not a peer support system, the atmosphere of the whole school would not be supportive. Well……if some pupils are noisy during classes, there would be no one to ask them to be quiet, except peer supporters.

I think peer supporters create supportive atmosphere in a class.

When we have assemblies in the school gym, peer supporters support class mates to form into line. These kind of things help class mates to have a unity in class.

Hideo

I think the teachers can do that.

How about the teachers encourage pupils to join the fund-raising activities and volunteer activities? You do not need peer support systems?

Ben

Well……….the teachers………if peer supporters do that, maybe these experiences (facilitating things for others) would be useful when going out into the world.

The teachers have already had these experiences. Thus pupils should experience those.

Hideo

I think others pupils except peer supporters did not have experiences, don’t they?

You do not need the peer support in your school, what do you think?

Do you think the school needs the peer support systems?

Ben

Ahhh…..It is the better for us to have the peer support systems.

Hideo

Why?

Ben

If the school could not create the supportive atmosphere and a unity among pupils, this is not nice.

Hideo

How about the teachers encourage pupils to have supportive atmosphere and a unity?

Ben,

Some noisy pupils do not care about the teacher’s word.

They make light of teachers.

They have negative feelings like “leave me alone” “kill you”…

Therefore, when the teachers ask noisy pupils to be quiet, sometime they do not listen to teacher’s words. In this case, peer supporters try to settle an awkward situation pleasantly.

Hideo

You mean pupils’ words are more influential?

Ben

Sometimes, (pupils’ words) are very influential.

Hideo

Which one is more influential? Teachers’ encouragements or pupils’ encouragements?

Ben

Generally, pupils’ encouragements are more influential.

Hideo

You mean pupils’ words are more influential, is that right?

Ben

Well…when the teacher tried to ask the noisy pupils to behave, these pupils ran away from the teachers. But when I tried to encourage these noisy pupils to behave, they know my personality. Thus when I walked to get closer to them, they became quiet and supportive.

When the teachers try to ask them, they make light of teachers and do not listen to teachers’ words at all.

Hideo

Ahhhh. Well, is that because you have closer relationships with pupils than teachers have, and pupils understand you, is that right?

Ben

A relationship of mutual trust……….pupils can trust their friends.

I think this is good.

Hideo

Is that because pupils have similar feelings as other pupils feel, more than teachers have?

Ben

You are right. Therefore, some pupils do not like the way teachers ask them.

Well, when the teachers said, “sit down” to pupils, they have unpleasant feelings toward the teachers.

Peer supporters kindly said “Please sit down” in a gentle voice, then this makes pupils feel easy to follow the peer supporters’ words.

Hideo

I see……I understand. So the school needs the peer support systems?

Ben

Ahahaha. Yes.

Hideo

Pupils seem to have critical influence to other pupils.

Do you have any ideas how to improve the current peer support systems?

If you have any ideas, could you explain to me?

Ben,

I hope not only the peer supporters, but also all class mates become kind and cheerful pupils. In order to achieve this, it is important that other pupils need to understand what the peer supporters are doing. Then, other pupils may join the activities as well.

Hideo

I see. Then, other pupils would join the activities, is that right?

Ben

Some pupils definitely join the activities.

Hideo

Do you want to involve everyone into the activities?

Ben

Rather than involving others, I would like to create a supportive atmosphere in my class. Like…….when we have school events like a sports festival, I want all pupils to work together and create a support atmosphere.

My ideal class is something like that.

Sometimes few peer supporters share stupid comments in a playful manner. I think peer supporters need to be calmly resolute, otherwise other pupils also behave in a playful manner. I would like to pay attention to this matter.

Hideo

I see. Peer supporters play an important role.

Ben

Ahahaah, Yes.

Because peer supporters are representative of the class.

Hideo

You mean generally you do not mind about peer relationships in a class, but when pupils need to work together, you want all pupils to cooperate together and create a unity, is that right?

Ben

Well…..ummm……I do not want only several groups to have an enjoyable time because a few pupils would feel lonely. If everyone has an enjoyable time together, even when we become seniors in the next year, we can have a joyful school life.

If we can joyfully study in class, we would listen to what the teachers are saying clearly.

Hideo

You mean, in terms of study, it would bring good influences to pupils, is that right?

Ben,

Yes, if pupils can feel joy in their studies, they would not get sick of studying.

Hideo

I see…..

Well, do you have any good experiences when you are doing peer support?

Ben

I was praised by many people, like my mother’s friends.

When they ask me, “what are you doing in a school?”, I said “I am a peer supporter”. Then my mum’s friends said, “you are great!” and I was praised.

I was praised many times.

Hideo

That is good.

Ben

Respect…..not being respected, but I was praised,

Hideo

Do you think generally you like to contribute to something good for others?

Ben,

Well…….when I was a year 6 pupil in a primary school, as a presentative, I did warming-up exercises in front of everyone.

Hideo

That is …..you are okay to do something in front of people aren’t you.

Are you nervous when you speak in front of people?

Ben

I am nervous, but I would like to do it.

Hideo

Well, you are not shy person, are you?

Ben

No I am not.

Hideo

I understand.

Do you have any other good experiences?

Ben

Well, because of a role as a peer supporter, I have made many friends. Also generally peer supporters appear to be cheerful pupils, thus, many pupils easily contact me and I have chats with them together.

Hideo

Ahhh. That is good.

What is the most enjoyable thing in peer support?

Ben

The most enjoyable thing so far is discussions among peer supporters.

Hideo

You enjoy planning with other peer supporters, is that right?

Ben

All peer supporters have good relationships. Therefore, we can easily talk to each other and everyone can share their own opinions. This makes smooth discussions. Thus I feel joy when I am discussing with other peer supporters.

Hideo

You mean you feel more joy rather than when you are doing activities, is that right?

Ben

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

Ahhh…..I see. Maybe because peer supporters share their similar feelings…..

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

Ben

Sometimes I am told by other pupils, “you can manage to do anything”

I do not like this.

Pupils said “because you are a peer supporter, you can do…….” I do not like this.

Hideo

But, maybe high expectations from other pupils make you study hard, is that right?

Ben.

Well……ahahahaha……that is yes and no.

Hideo

I see

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

Ben

When pupils in a whole class had a discussion, often many pupils ask peer supporters to share opinions. I do not understand why other pupils ask peer supporters to share opinions. Why they rely on peer supporters……….

In this regard, I feel pressure from others.

Hideo

I believe in a class discussion, anyone can share opinions, is that right?

Ben

Anyone can share opinions, but the teachers tend to ask peer supporters to share opinions at first.

I feel pressure because I need to share good ideas with them.

Hideo

You feel pressure……you cannot share stupid comments, can you?

Well, what do you think about this kind of hardships?

Ben

Well…..already…..I was prepared for this thing before I became a peer supporter.

Before I joined the peer support team, I was prepared for hardships and decided to join it.

Hideo

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

Ben

Rather than asking supervisors for help, many times we peer supporters encouraged each other and overcame difficulties.

Hideo

I believe your supervisors gave you various advice, didn’t they?

Ben

Supervisors gave me advice. But I can talk some specific topics with pupils more easily than with supervisors.

Hideo

Peer supporters have supported each other, haven’t they?

That is great.

Ben

Yes, I listen to supervisors’ advice and also I think pupils’ support is very powerful.

Hideo

Ohhhh.

Have you had any supports from other pupils?

Ben

Ahhh…there were many times.

I got some help from other pupils.

Also I gave some advice to other peer supporters when they needed it.

Hideo

Well, do you have any negative views toward difficulties?

Ben

I do not like difficulties.

Before I joined the peer support team, I was prepared for difficulties. But I still do not like difficulties, and sometimes I worry about how I can carry on peer support activities.

Hideo

I see.

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Ben,

After overcoming the difficulties, I have gained self-confidence a bit.

Hideo

Could you explain an example?

Ben

Well…….when we discussed some issues together with all class mates, I have lead the discussion and sorted out the issues. I gained self-confidence, like I could manage to overcome the issues in this way.

By overcoming the difficulties, I would be full of confidence.

Hideo

Ahhhh….I see

Well, as you mentioned before, you want all pupils to know what peer supporters are doing, and to join the activities.

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

If you have any idea, could you explain please?

Ben

I would like to inform everyone of what peer supporters are doing.

Hideo

You mean generally other pupils do not listen to what peer supporters said to them, is that right?

Ben

Well……that…..if peer supporters only know about peer support activities, it is not effective al all. I think peer supporters need to make efforts to properly tell other pupils about the activities.

Hideo

You mean peer supporters clearly tell other pupils about what peer supporters are doing, is that right?

Ben

Well….that….I want everyone to put their trust in peer supporters, thus I would like to tell everyone.

If the peer supporters were not able to tell everyone about what the peer supporters are doing, this means a few pupils who wanted to be a peer supporter were discouraged.

Therefore, peer supporters need to clearly tell everyone about their activities.

Hideo

I see.

I understand your feeling

What you are saying is right. Even when you worked for others’ benefits, you were complained by others. That is painful.

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

Ben

If I said to them strictly “Do it properly”, they would just reply to us in a bad way. Therefore, I try not to say to them strictly.

I just contact them in a gentle manner.

Hideo

You mean you just communicate them as a friend, is that right?

Ben

Even when I said to them strictly, they just felt bad……

Hideo

You mean you considered their feelings when you communicated them, is that right?

Ben

Yes.

Anyway, even if I said to them strictly, they would not necessarily listen to me.

On the other hand, when I ask them to do in a gentle manner, they listened to me and did what I asked them. Therefore, I just communicate with them in a gentle manner.

Hideo

Ahhhh.

Ben

Well……I mean I am not too soft with them. I just try not to say to them strictly.

Hideo

I see

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

Ben

As you expected, I had some help from my friends. Also I do club activities.

I get rid of my stress with club activities.

Hideo

I think your club is Kendo martial arts, isn’t it.

Ben

Well….my club is Kendo martial arts. When I hit my opponent’s head by Bamboo sword, I can relieve my stress. Also when I shout during the practice, I can relieve the stress. The Kendo club helped me to relieve my stress more than my friends.

Hideo

I see. You make good use of the club, don’t you?

Do you think your supervisor’s advice was helpful?

Ben

I got help from supervisors many times.

Hideo

Could you explain an example?

Ben

Ummmmm. When I said to a supervisor “I am struggling with some issues”.

Then, the supervisor gave me some advice.

I just did what the supervisor said, and I could overcome the issues.

So I had some help from supervisors.

Hideo

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

Ben

Because of the peer support, my school became a good school.

If there were no peer support systems, we could not make the current good situation. I believe the school atmosphere would get worse.

Hideo

Do you think if there are no peer support systems, pupils would behave badly?

Ben

I think if there are no peer support systems, pupils would behave badly.

Sometimes we showed the video of our school summits to everyone at the assemblies.

By showing the video, I believe other pupils are inspired by peer supporters’ hard work, and they seem to make efforts as well.

Also, I believe some pupils would like to join the peer support team.

Hideo

I see

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

So how do you think about school summits?

Ben

I think the school summits have been giving good influences to not only my school, but also other schools in the city. I think it is good.

Hideo

Why do the school summits give good influences to the schools?

Ben

When everyone sees and understands how peer supporters are working hard in this city, pupils from other schools would be inspired by it.

Hideo

You mean your school has been watched by other schools, is that right?

Ben

Other schools….like schools in the next city, have seen our peer support activities. Sometimes pupils in other schools were inspired by our activities.

Hideo

So your school has given good influences to other schools.

Is that a good thing for your school?

Ben

I think, we can learn something good from other schools, thus our school also has improved. In order to learn something good from other schools, we need the school summits.

Hideo

You believe the school needs the school summits, is that right?

Ben

Yes.

I think the school summits are great, because the schools can learn some good things mutually.

Hideo

You think it is great, because schools can exchange their information mutually, is that right?

Also the pupils can learn something from not only their own school, but also many other schools, is that right?

Ben,

Yes.

Hideo

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

Ben

The pupils who actively join the activities, are….well……they study seriously during a class. These pupils tend to actively deal with whatever they face.

On the other hand, pupils who do not actively join, stick at nothing and lack endurance. They tend to do something different one after another.

They focus only their enjoyable things.

These are differences.

Therefore, there are differences in academic records caused by these two types of pupils.

Also people tend to see each type of pupils differently.

Hideo

In short…….in this sense….…….what is the difference fundamentally?

Ben

I think their minds are different.

The pupils who actively join the activities, are generally cheerful and happy in school. The pupils who do not actively join the activities, tend to stay with their close friends as a group, and they just tend to talk to their group members only.

Pupils who actively join the activities, are able to talk to many pupils from other classes.

The pupils who do not actively join the activities, tend to be gloomy and dismal, and they just tend to focus on their personal things.

They focus only their enjoyable things.

Hideo

I see

The pupils who do not actively join the activities, develop a narrowed view of the world, is that right?
Ben

Yes, I think so.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

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

Ben

If I was not a peer supporter, I would not be busy. Thus, I think I would actively join the volunteer activities.

Even if I was not a peer supporter, I think I would definitely work for something good.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Ben

Because I know If I was not a peer supporter, I may not actively take actions…

Hideo

You mean, if pupils do not have any roles or responsibilities, they tend not to actively take actions, is that right?

Ben

Yes. Probably, some pupils can actively take actions even when they do not have any responsibilities. But most pupils cannot actively take actions when they do not have any responsibilities.

Even during classes, pupils may not share their answers.

Hideo

I see. Your experience of being a peer supporter would give good influences to not only yourself, but also other pupils.

That was great for you to be a peer supporter.

Ben

Yes, I think so. Hahahaha.

Hideo

Finally, do you have anything to tell me?

Ben

We peer supporters have discussed about negative issues in my class.

Now I would like to discuss the negative issues with all class mates.

I want to discuss good points and bad points in my class with my class mates.

Hideo

I see.

You would like to have discussions with pupils around you, is that right?

If you have had discussions, you think this will produce good results for your class mates, is that right?

Ben

Yes, I think so. Everyone can share their good ideas and opinions; thus I want to have discussions.

Hideo

I see.

Do you have any other comments?

Ben

I want other pupils to know more about peer supporters.

How hard we are working…

Hideo

Hahaha. Do you have any other comments?

Ben

That’s all.

Hideo

Thank you very much for your help over a long time